Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling
- 1 can cranberry sauce whole berry
- 1 box Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake Mix
- ¾ cup butter unsalted, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F. This gives it time to reach the perfect temperature while you prep.
- Layer the fruit: In your baking dish, pour the apple pie filling and spread it out evenly. Then, spoon the cranberry sauce on top. Don’t worry about mixing the layers—they’ll naturally meld together while baking.
Personal tip: I like to add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a pinch of orange zest over the fruit for an extra layer of holiday flavor.
- Prepare the topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon swirl crumb cake mix with its cinnamon sugar topping. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
Mistake I’ve made: I once skipped the mixing step and just poured the dry cake mix over the fruit before adding butter. While it still tasted good, the topping was uneven and clumpy. Mixing the butter in first makes a world of difference!
- Assemble the cake: Sprinkle the crumbly mixture over the fruit layers, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake to perfection: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, and the fruit is bubbling at the edges.
Time-saving trick: If you’re prepping for a party, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it fresh before serving for the best texture.
Notes
Serving and presentation ideas
When it comes to serving this Christmas dump cake, I like to keep things simple but festive. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a winning choice. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent touch.
For presentation, serve it right from the baking dish for a casual vibe, or plate individual portions in dessert bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more polished look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert