Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than cranberry dump cake! This easy recipe requires minimal effort and yields a moist, flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. This is one of those best recipes you'll want to keep handy for quick dinner ideas or unexpected guests.
Ingredients:
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For the Cranberry Layer:
- 1 (12 ounce) package fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but highly recommended!)
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For the Cake Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Make the Cranberry Layer: In the prepared baking pan, combine the cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using). Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Prepare the Cake Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are well combined.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined; don't overmix. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the cranberry layer in the pan. Don't worry about spreading it perfectly; it will level out during baking.
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Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is a good indicator of whether the cake is fully baked.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Dump Cake:
- Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, there's no need to thaw them. Just add them directly to the pan.
- Orange Zest: The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the tart cranberries. Don't skip it!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool completely will prevent it from falling apart when you cut into it.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Add nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different berries: Substitute the cranberries with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This easy, healthy meals recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or convenience. Enjoy!