Save to Pinterest This Five-Ingredient Cranberry Orange Dump Cake brings together juicy cranberries and bright orange to create a dessert bursting with color and flavor. Quick to assemble and indulgently comforting, it is my go-to for last-minute gatherings or when I need something sweet with minimal effort.
I threw this together before a family movie night last December and everyone raved about it the warm fruit and buttery topping disappeared in minutes. Now it is the first thing I think of for any potluck or festive dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Provide juicy bursts and a tart contrast to the sweetness Aim for berries that are plump and glossy or use frozen straight from the bag
- Orange juice: Brings bright citrus flavor For best results choose freshly squeezed for better aroma and zing
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness Taste your orange juice and berries first then adjust sugar for your desired tartness
- Yellow or vanilla cake mix: Acts as the base and creates a golden crumbly topping Choose a good quality mix free from artificial aftertaste
- Unsalted butter: Binds the topping and gives richness Use real butter and melt it fully before drizzling for even coverage
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
- Add Fruit Base:
- Spread all cranberries evenly across the prepared baking dish If using frozen break up large clumps Spread them out to ensure an even layer
- Citrus and Sugar Layer:
- Pour orange juice evenly over the cranberries so every berry gets a little juice Sprinkle sugar evenly across the surface aiming to coat all the berries
- Add Cake Mix:
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix gently and evenly over all the fruit mixture You want to cover every spot without pressing or stirring This ensures an even golden crust after baking
- Butter Drizzle:
- Drizzle melted unsalted butter slowly across the entire surface of the cake mix If any dry spots remain use a spoon to coax butter over them to promote even browning
- Bake:
- Place the dish in a preheated three hundred fifty degree Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degree Celsius oven Bake for forty to forty five minutes until the top is golden and bubbling The edges should be slightly caramelized and the center set
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool at least ten minutes before serving This lets the juices set and makes it easier to scoop Serve warm either plain or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Save to Pinterest I love the way fresh cranberries pop in the oven their tartness softens but does not disappear Completely reminds me of Christmas morning growing up with bowls of oranges and that bright cranberry color lighting up the table
Storage Tips
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for three days Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers For longer storage freeze servings for up to two months Reheat in the microwave until just warmed through for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh cranberries use frozen straight from the freezer If orange juice is not available swap in apple juice for a different fruitiness No yellow cake mix Sub in white or even spice cake for a different twist Butter can be swapped for plant based margarine for a dairy free version
Serving Suggestions
Spoon generous warm helpings into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream for a melty treat A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest make it feel a bit fancy Serve at holiday brunch alongside other breakfast bakes or let it shine as an easy weeknight dessert
Cultural and Historical Context
Dump cakes are an American classic born out of convenience and busy home kitchens Their name describes the method dump everything in and let the oven do the work Cranberries and citrus both symbolize winter celebrations in many households making this recipe perfect for festive gatherings
Seasonal Adaptations
Use lemon juice and zest for a more tart refreshing flavor
Swap berries for chopped apples or pears in fall months
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Success Stories
Friends have told me they bake this for Friendsgiving every year because it is nearly effortless but still impresses guests One reader once wrote that it was the only thing her toddler wanted seconds of at a family celebration
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bake the dump cake completely then let cool Freeze in portions wrapped well in plastic and foil To reheat let thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven at three hundred twenty five degrees until bubbly again
Save to Pinterest This is a truly show-stopping dessert with almost no effort required. Try it warm with ice cream and watch it disappear.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, both fresh and frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw before baking—just layer as instructed.
- → How do I reduce the sweetness?
For a less sweet dessert, decrease the sugar to 1/2 cup or use a less sweet cake mix if preferred.
- → What can I substitute for orange juice?
Lemon juice adds a tangier flavor, or try a blend of orange and lemon for extra citrus notes.
- → Can I prepare this dessert ahead?
It's best freshly baked, but you can prep the layers in advance and bake just before serving.
- → Are there serving suggestions?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the bright, fruity flavors.
- → Does this dessert contain allergens?
It contains wheat and dairy, and possibly eggs or soy depending on the cake mix. Always check labels.