Name: Easy Christmas Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces can whole cranberry sauce; 21 ounces can apple pie filling; 1 box yellow cake mix; 4 ounces butter (melted); ½ cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)

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Christmas Dump Cake is the dessert you’ll turn to when you need something quick, easy, and absolutely foolproof. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers big on flavor without the stress of baking from scratch. It’s a great way to bring festive flavors to the table while still keeping things simple, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules or whenever you want a comforting treat with minimal effort.

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For me, this Christmas Dump Cake captures the spirit of the holidays perfectly. It’s warm, festive, and brings everyone together with its cozy flavors and simple preparation. Whether you’re serving it after a holiday meal or sharing it with friends and family, it’s one of those desserts that feels effortless but delivers big on holiday cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Top-down view of baking ingredients: butter, walnuts, yellow cake mix, cranberry sauce, and apple pie filling, surrounded by festive decorations on a light surface. — Christmas Dump Cake Ingredients. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Make Christmas Dump Cake with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

Making Christmas Dump Cake is a breeze, and with my simple steps, you’ll have a festive dessert ready in no time.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180°C).

Combine the Fruit Base

Spread the cranberry sauce and apple pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a sprinkle of sugar and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Baking dish with sliced apples topped with cherries, surrounded by decorative wintry elements on a white surface. — Spread cranberry sauce and apple filling in a 9×13 dish; sprinkle with sugar and salt.

Prepare the Cake Crumble

In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and chopped walnuts (or pecans). Use a fork to stir until the mixture forms crumbles. This will create the perfect buttery topping.

Top view of baking ingredients in bowls on a white surface: mixed batter, cranberries, nuts, and a glass jar of marmalade, surrounded by small holiday decorations. — Mix cake mix and melted butter in a medium bowl.

Bowl of dough with a spoon, surrounded by cranberries, chopped nuts, and a jar of fruit preserves on a marble surface with holiday decorations. — Stir in chopped walnuts with a fork until crumbly.

Assemble the Cake

Distribute the crumbly mixture evenly over the fruit base. Make sure to cover the entire surface for an even bake and that golden, crispy finish.

A baking dish filled with unbaked crumble topping, surrounded by holiday decorations and a small bowl of nuts. — Spread the crumble evenly over the fruit.

A rectangular dish of berry crumble on a surface with small decorative trees, a jar of berries, and a bowl of chopped nuts. — Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.

Bake Until Perfect

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 180ºC (350°F) and bake for about 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges.

Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool slightly before serving. Scoop it out warm and pair it with your favorite toppings for the ultimate holiday treat. Enjoy!

A serving of fruit crumble with a scoop of ice cream on a plate. Nearby, a baking dish with remaining crumble and a bowl of chopped nuts, surrounded by decorative faux trees. — Cool slightly, then serve warm with toppings.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

I’ve included a few tips to make sure your Christmas Dump Cake turns out perfect every time:

Best Cranberry Sauce: Use whole cranberry sauce for the best results (or make your own cranberry sauce). The texture works perfectly with the apple pie filling.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts if you’re serving anyone with allergies or prefer a simpler topping.
Cool Butter for Crumbles: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing it with the cake mix. This ensures proper crumbles instead of a paste.
Switch It Up: Try swapping the apple pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach for a twist.
Golden Finish: The cake is done when the topping is golden brown, and the fruit is bubbling. Check at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Add Holiday Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the fruit can add a warm holiday flavor.
Top It Off: Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Close-up of a serving spoon in a partially eaten fruit crumble in a baking dish, with visible chunks of apple and berry and a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. — Christmas Dump Cake. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

How to Store Leftover Christmas Dump Cake

If you have leftovers, storing your Christmas Dump Cake properly ensures you can enjoy it later without sacrificing its deliciousness.

For short-term storage, transfer the cooled dump cake to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. The fruit base will stay soft and flavorful, and the topping will retain some of its crunch.

When you’re ready to eat it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or pop it in the oven at a low temperature to warm through without making it soggy.

If you want to freeze it, this dessert holds up surprisingly well! Cut the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped portions in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months.

To enjoy later, let the portions thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the oven to bring back its warmth and cozy flavors.

Reheating tip: If you’re reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes. This helps preserve the texture and flavor of the topping and fruit filling.

What to Serve With Christmas Dump Cake

Pair this warm and comforting dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

A plate of fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to a baking dish. Small decorative Christmas trees are in the background. — Christmas Dump Cake. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen

More Easy Holiday Dessert Recipes for You to Try at Home

If you’re looking for more festive desserts, then check these out.

Easy Christmas Dump Cake Recipe

Christmas Dump Cake is the ultimate fuss-free holiday dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect for adding festive flair to your table without the stress of complicated baking. Warm and cozy, it’s a dessert that brings everyone together and feels like a true holiday treat. Whether for a family dinner or sharing with friends, it’s a surefire way to spread cheer.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 55

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas Dump Cake

Servings:

Calories: 552kcal

Equipment

9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

16 ounces can whole cranberry sauce
21 ounces can apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
4 ounces butter melted
½ cup walnuts or pecans chopped

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the cranberry sauce and apple pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with a little sugar and salt to balance the flavors.
16 ounces can whole cranberry sauce, 21 ounces can apple pie filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and chopped nuts using a fork until the mixture forms crumbles. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit layer, covering it completely.
1 box yellow cake mix, 4 ounces butter, ½ cup walnuts or pecans
Bake the dish for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or as is.

Notes

Best Cranberry Sauce: Use whole cranberry sauce for the best results (or make your own cranberry sauce). The texture works perfectly with the apple pie filling.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts if you’re serving anyone with allergies or prefer a simpler topping.
Cool Butter for Crumbles: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing it with the cake mix. This ensures proper crumbles instead of a paste.
Switch It Up: Try swapping the apple pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach for a twist.
Golden Finish: The cake is done when the topping is golden brown, and the fruit is bubbling. Check at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Add Holiday Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the fruit can add a warm holiday flavor.
Top It Off: Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

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About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Easy Christmas Dump Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need