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Old Fashioned Apple Cranberry Dump Cake Dessert with fresh cranberries and apples.

Old Fashioned Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

A warm, cozy dessert featuring layered apples and cranberries topped with a buttery cake mix, perfect for effortless baking any time of the year.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruit Layer
  • 4 cups Sliced apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady) If using fresh apples, slice thinly and toss with sugar and cinnamon.
  • 2 cups Fresh or frozen cranberries Fresh gives the best tartness; frozen can be used straight from the freezer.
Cake Layer
  • 1 box Yellow or white cake mix Spice cake mix can be used for a fall twist.
  • 1/2 cup Real butter Use cold butter, shredded for even coverage.
Add-Ins
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Enhances the warmth of the apples.
  • 1 pinch Salt Helps balance sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional, adds aroma.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread sliced apples and cranberries in an even layer in the baking dish.
  3. If using fresh apples, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a spoonful of flour or cornstarch to create a light sauce.
Assembly
  1. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Do not mix it in.
  2. Evenly distribute cold butter over the top of the cake mix.
Baking
  1. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until golden and bubbling at the edges. Start checking at 40 minutes.
  2. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to thicken.

Notes

For best results, ensure the butter evenly covers the cake mix to avoid dry spots. You can cover with foil if the top browns too fast. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.