Easy Thanksgiving Dessert: The Ultimate Dump Cake Recipe
Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in delicious food with loved ones. While the main course and sides often steal the spotlight, the perfect dessert can truly cap off the meal. Enter the dump cake, a simple, no-fuss, and incredibly tasty treat that's perfect for the holidays. Here's an easy Thanksgiving dessert dump cake recipe that's sure to become a family favorite.
What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a simple, one-pan dessert that requires minimal effort. It's called a "dump cake" because you literally dump all the ingredients into a pan and bake. Despite its humble preparation, the result is a moist, cake-like dessert with a crispy, crumble topping. It's a cross between a cake and a cobbler, and it's incredibly versatile.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Thanksgiving
This easy Thanksgiving dessert dump cake recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it's incredibly simple to make, freeing up your time to focus on other dishes. Second, it uses common ingredients, so you won't need to make a special trip to the store. Lastly, it's a crowd-pleaser that can serve a large group, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned pie filling (your choice of flavor) | 21 oz (1 can) |
| Yellow cake mix | 15.25 oz (1 box) |
| Melted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped nuts (optional, for topping) | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving) | As desired |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the canned pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pie filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- You can use any flavor of canned pie filling, but apple, cherry, or pumpkin are particularly fitting for Thanksgiving.
- For a crunchier topping, you can add a handful of chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts work well.
- To make it ahead, prepare the dump cake as directed, then refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze the baked cake for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used. Here's an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 12 servings per cake):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
