Ah, the holiday season—there’s nothing quite like it! The twinkling lights, the cheerful carols, and of course, the desserts that bring everyone together. One of my absolute favorites has to be this *christmas dump cake*. It’s so easy to whip up, and trust me, it fills the house with the most delightful aroma of warm cherries and cinnamon. I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. It was a hit! Everyone was raving about how festive and delicious it was, and I just smiled, knowing my secret was a simple and fun recipe. You really can’t go wrong with this one—it’s the perfect blend of sweet and comforting, making it a holiday staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for this *christmas dump cake* is a breeze, and I love how simple they are! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling (don’t skimp on this; it’s the star of the show!)
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained (this adds a lovely sweetness and moisture)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (feel free to toast them for an extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (this helps everything come together beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (because what’s a holiday dessert without a dash of spice?)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking—it makes the process so much smoother! Trust me, you’ll love how these ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! The process for this *christmas dump cake* is as simple as pie—literally! Here’s how to make it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I like to use a little butter or cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks!
- Now, spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Make sure to get it into all the corners—this is where the juicy flavor comes from!
- Next, add the drained crushed pineapple right on top of the cherries. You’re building layers of goodness here!
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit. Don’t worry about mixing it; just let it rest on top like a cozy blanket!
- Then, toss on those chopped pecans. They’ll add such a lovely crunch!
- Drizzle the melted butter generously over the entire dish. This is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy!
- Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon on top for that holiday warmth.
- Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until it’s beautifully golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait! You’re going to love every warm, gooey bite of this festive treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can have this festive dessert ready in no time!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.
- Deliciously festive flavor: The combination of cherries, pineapple, and cinnamon screams holiday cheer!
- Minimal prep time: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm dessert that’s sure to impress.
Tips for Success
To make your *christmas dump cake* truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, when spreading the cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, take a moment to ensure an even layer—this helps every slice enjoy that perfect balance of flavors. Also, don’t skip the step of drizzling the melted butter evenly; it’s key to achieving that deliciously moist texture!
Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; every oven is a little different, so you might want to check for doneness around the 40-minute mark. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown top and bubbling edges. And if you want an extra touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it’s pure bliss!
Variations
One of the best things about this *christmas dump cake* is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily switch up the fruit fillings to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, try using blueberry pie filling instead of cherry for a different fruity twist. You could also mix in some diced apples with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a cozy autumn-inspired dessert!
If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding a layer of chocolate chips on top of the cake mix before drizzling the butter. It creates a decadent, gooey surprise in every bite! And don’t forget about toppings—try crushed candy canes for a festive crunch or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious *christmas dump cake*, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep it fresh, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty for up to five days—perfect for late-night snacking or a quick dessert for unexpected guests!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, reheating is super easy. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the covered dish in for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a rubbery cake! Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream, and let the cozy flavors wrap around you again!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, I know it’s tempting to dive right into this delicious *christmas dump cake*, but let’s take a moment to chat about nutritional information. Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, so take them as a general guide. Each serving (that’s one slice) typically contains around:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
It’s always a good idea to enjoy this festive treat in moderation, especially with all the holiday festivities around! But honestly, a slice (or two) of this cake is worth every bite during the season of joy!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this delightful *christmas dump cake*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate, spice, or even a gluten-free cake mix to suit your taste or dietary needs.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No problem! You can swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even omit the nuts entirely if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the layers ahead and assemble it just before baking. It’s a great way to save time during the busy holiday season.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It’s best enjoyed within five days!
What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a festive treat that everyone will love!
Christmas Dump Cake: 7 Reasons to Make This Festive Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and easy dessert perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple in the dish.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the fruit.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cake mix.
- Drizzle melted butter over the entire dish.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute fruit fillings as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas dump cake, holiday dessert, easy dessert
