Christmas Dump Cake: 8 Sinful Ingredients

Christmas baking can be so much fun, but let’s be real, December is *crazy*! That’s why I’m obsessed with super easy recipes like this **Christmas Dump Cake**. Seriously, dump cakes are a lifesaver during the holidays. They’re delicious, festive, and require almost zero effort. It’s the perfect dessert when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

I remember one Christmas Eve when my oven decided to quit working *right* as I was about to bake cookies. Total disaster! Ever since then, I’ve made sure to have a few super-simple recipes like this one in my back pocket. This Christmas Dump Cake is now one of my go-to desserts for a stress-free and yummy holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Dump Cake

Quick and Easy Christmas Dessert

Okay, so dump cakes are famous for being ridiculously easy. We’re talking minimal effort, people! Just dump the ingredients, bake, and you’re done. Seriously, it’s *that* simple. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a yummy Christmas dessert.

Festive Flavors for the Holidays

My favorite part is the flavor combo! Apple pie filling, pineapple, pecans, and those little red maraschino cherries? It just screams Christmas! Trust me, these flavors together are like a holiday party in your mouth.

A Crowd-Pleasing Christmas Dump Cake

Need a dessert for a holiday potluck? This Christmas Dump Cake is always a hit! It’s easy to transport, and everyone loves it. Plus, it’s kind of pretty, you know, with the cherries and pecans on top. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Your Christmas Dump Cake

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The best part about this Christmas Dump Cake is that you probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. But let’s get specific, okay? Here’s what you’ll need to make this holiday magic happen. And trust me, using the right stuff makes all the difference!

Cake Mix

You’ll want 1 box (that’s 15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix. Any brand works, really. I usually just grab whatever’s on sale. But seriously, yellow cake is the way to go for that classic dump cake vibe.

Pie Filling

Grab 1 can (21 oz) of apple pie filling. Yep, just the regular kind! Don’t go getting fancy with homemade or anything. We’re keeping this EASY. The apple pie filling is what gives it that warm, Christmas-y feel, ya know?

Crushed Pineapple

Okay, this is important: 1 can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple, *undrained*. Don’t drain it! The juice is what makes the cake super moist. Trust me on this one. Undrained is key!

Pecans

You’ll need 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. I like to buy them already chopped to save time, but if you’re feeling ambitious, go ahead and chop ’em yourself! Pecans add that perfect nutty crunch that makes this cake so good.

Butter

Melt 1/2 cup of butter. I usually just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Make sure it’s fully melted, but not, like, exploding hot, okay? The melted butter is what helps the cake mix get all golden and yummy.

Maraschino Cherries

And last but not least, 1/4 cup of maraschino cherries, halved. These are totally optional, but they make the cake look so festive! Plus, who doesn’t love a good maraschino cherry? Just make sure they’re halved so they distribute nicely.

How to Prepare This Christmas Dump Cake

Okay, now for the fun part! This is seriously the easiest thing you’ll bake all season. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious Christmas Dump Cake in no time! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. Ready?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for my friends across the pond!). Preheating is super important because it ensures the cake bakes evenly. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, right?

Step 2: Add Pie Filling

Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in that apple pie filling. Make sure to spread it out evenly, like you’re tucking it in for a cozy nap. We want every bite to have that appley goodness!

Step 3: Add Pineapple

Next, spread the crushed pineapple evenly over the pie filling. Remember, don’t drain it! The juice is our friend. It’s what keeps everything moist and delicious.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Now, sprinkle that yellow cake mix evenly over the pineapple. This is where you gotta make sure you cover *all* of the pineapple. You don’t want any soggy spots! Just sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle until it’s all covered.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Top it all off with the chopped pecans and halved maraschino cherries! Distribute them evenly so every slice gets a little bit of nutty crunch and festive cherry cheer. This is where the magic happens, visually speaking!

Step 6: Drizzle Butter

Drizzle that melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This is *crucial*! You want to make sure the butter covers as much of the cake mix as possible so it bakes up all golden and yummy. Get every nook and cranny!

Step 7: Bake the Christmas Dump Cake

Pop that baby in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. To be absolutely sure, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), you’re good to go!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the Christmas Dump Cake cool slightly before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, it’s better if you let it cool for a bit. It helps the cake set up and makes it easier to slice. Plus, you won’t burn your tongue! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Yum!

Tips for the Best Christmas Dump Cake

Okay, so this recipe is super easy, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make your Christmas Dump Cake absolutely *perfect*. Trust me, these little things can make a big difference!

First, **don’t overbake it!** A dry dump cake is a sad dump cake. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes, and pull it out as soon as a toothpick comes out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are okay!

Also, **use good quality ingredients**. I know, I know, it’s a *dump* cake, but trust me, better ingredients = better flavor. Especially the butter! Splurge on the good stuff, you won’t regret it. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings! A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking? Yes, please!

Variations for Your Christmas Dump Cake

Okay, so the basic Christmas Dump Cake is amazing, but what if you wanna mix things up a little? No problem! This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Get creative, okay?

Different Pie Fillings

Don’t love apple? No biggie! Try cherry pie filling for a super festive red vibe. Or maybe blueberry for a slightly more summery Christmas? Peach would be amazing too! Seriously, any pie filling works, so go wild!

Nutty Variations

Pecans are classic, but walnuts or almonds would be delicious too! Or, you know, go crazy and use a mix of all three! Just make sure they’re chopped so they distribute evenly. More nuts = more yum!

Spiced Christmas Dump Cake

Want to add a little extra warmth? Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake mix before you dump it. Seriously, just a teaspoon or two will do the trick. It’ll make your kitchen smell amazing, and the cake will have that cozy, spiced Christmas flavor we all love!

FAQ About Christmas Dump Cake

Got questions about making the perfect Christmas Dump Cake? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask, so you can bake with confidence. Let’s get those holiday baking questions answered, shall we?

Can I use a different size baking dish for this Christmas Dump Cake?

Okay, so a 9×13 inch pan is ideal, but if you don’t have one, don’t panic! You *can* use a different size, but just keep an eye on the baking time. If you use a smaller pan, it might need a little longer in the oven. And if you use a bigger pan, it might bake faster. Just check it with a toothpick and adjust accordingly, okay?

Can I make this Christmas Dump Cake ahead of time?

Totally! This Christmas Dump Cake is actually even better the next day, if you can believe it! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, you can warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds or just eat it cold. It’s delicious either way!

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned in this Christmas Dump Cake recipe?

You *can* use fresh pineapple, but canned is really easier and more consistent. Fresh pineapple has a lot more moisture, so you might need to reduce the amount of juice you add. If you use fresh, I’d recommend draining it a bit before adding it to the cake. Otherwise, your Christmas Dump Cake might end up a little soggy!

Nutritional Information for Christmas Dump Cake

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at, nutritionally speaking, for a slice of this Christmas Dump Cake. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, okay? It can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big you cut the slices. But here’s the ballpark:

Each serving (about 1/12 of the cake) is roughly:

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g, Unsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

So, yeah, it’s a dessert! But hey, it’s Christmas! Enjoy a slice (or two!) and don’t stress too much about the numbers, okay?

Rate and Share Your Christmas Dump Cake

Okay, you made it! And I *really* hope you loved this Christmas Dump Cake as much as I do! If you did, pretty please leave a comment below and let me know what you think? Also, give it a rating, okay? And if you’re feeling extra festive, share this recipe with your friends on social media! Sharing is caring, especially during the holidays!

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