I still remember the first time I baked a dump cake for my family—it was a rainy afternoon, and the kitchen smelled like tart cranberries and sweet raspberries. That simple, one-pan dessert became an instant favorite, inspiring my love for comfortable, family-friendly recipes. This cranberry raspberry dump cake is quick, easy, and customizable, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, and it captures the essence of my approachable, flavor-packed cooking style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry raspberry dump cake is the ultimate quick and easy dessert for any occasion. Its vibrant combination of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries creates a flavor that is both refreshing and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy cranberry raspberry dump cake requires minimal prep and just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. You can even customize it with cream cheese, lemon zest, or mixed berries to suit your taste. Families love it for its balance of sweet and tart, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or casual dinners. Using ingredients like Ocean Spray cranberry sauce or frozen berries makes this old fashioned cranberry raspberry dump cake simple to make any time of year. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it chilled, this easy cranberry raspberry dump cake delivers a satisfying dessert experience with minimal effort. It’s a reliable, customizable, and delicious treat everyone will love.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The ingredients in this cranberry raspberry dump cake are simple, accessible, and designed to maximize flavor with minimal effort. Fresh or frozen cranberries and raspberries create a vibrant, tangy-sweet base that makes this easy cranberry raspberry dump cake stand out. Using a yellow or white cake mix keeps preparation quick, while melted butter adds richness and a tender crumb. Vanilla extract and a touch of sugar enhance the natural sweetness of the berries without overpowering them. This old fashioned cranberry raspberry dump cake can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. Each ingredient works together to create a balanced, family-friendly dessert that’s both customizable and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼–½ cup sugar (optional, depending on tartness of berries)
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Making this cranberry raspberry dump cake is delightfully simple, requiring no mixing bowls beyond your baking dish. The fresh or frozen cranberries and raspberries create a juicy, tart-sweet layer, while the yellow or white cake mix forms a golden, fluffy topping. Melted butter is poured over the cake mix to help it bake evenly and achieve a tender, buttery crust. Optional sugar and vanilla extract balance the flavors, making this easy cranberry raspberry dump cake a family favorite for weeknights or holiday gatherings. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Using Ocean Spray cranberry sauce or frozen berries makes this old fashioned cranberry raspberry dump cake convenient and delicious anytime, keeping preparation stress-free while delivering rich flavor in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries evenly in the dish.
- Layer 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries on top of the cranberries.
- Sprinkle 1 box yellow or white cake mix evenly over the berries.
- Drizzle ½ cup melted butter over the cake mix.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼–½ cup sugar if desired.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
This method ensures the easiest, most flavorful cranberry raspberry dump cake every time.
Expert Cooking Tips
To get the best results with your cranberry raspberry dump cake, choosing the right ingredients and handling them carefully is key. Fresh or frozen cranberries and raspberries create the perfect balance of tart and sweet, while a yellow or white cake mix ensures a fluffy, golden topping. Using melted butter evenly over the cake mix helps it bake to a tender, buttery crust. Optional sugar and vanilla extract can enhance flavor without overpowering the berries. For an old fashioned cranberry raspberry dump cake, consider adding cream cheese swirls or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness. Serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream elevates this easy cranberry raspberry dump cake into a decadent, family-friendly dessert.
💡 Expert Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries and raspberries for maximum flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle sugar lightly if your berries are too tart.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly to prevent dry spots in the cake topping.
- Add vanilla extract or lemon zest for enhanced flavor depth.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For a twist, swirl in cream cheese before baking for a creamy layer.
- Frozen mixed berries work great if fresh berries aren’t available.
These tips ensure your cranberry raspberry dump cake turns out perfectly every time.
FAQs
Can I make this cranberry raspberry dump cake with cream cheese?
Yes, adding cream cheese swirled into the berries before topping with cake mix creates a rich, tangy layer. This variation enhances the flavor of the easy cranberry raspberry dump cake and makes it extra indulgent.
Can I use frozen mixed berries instead of fresh cranberries and raspberries?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed berries work perfectly in this old fashioned cranberry raspberry dump cake. No need to thaw them—just layer directly in the baking dish.
Can I try a lemon raspberry dump cake variation?
Yes, adding lemon zest or using a lemon cake mix brightens the flavor of this cranberry raspberry dump cake. It’s a simple twist that balances the tart berries beautifully.
How does this compare to other dump cakes like Pioneer Woman’s blackberry dump cake?
This cranberry raspberry dump cake is tangier and fruitier than traditional blackberry dump cakes. The combination of cranberries and raspberries creates a refreshing, family-friendly dessert that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.
What’s the best way to serve this easy cranberry raspberry dump cake?
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch, or enjoy chilled for a lighter, refreshing dessert.
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This cranberry raspberry dump cake is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that brings the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet raspberries to your table. Using simple ingredients like yellow or white cake mix, melted butter, and fresh or frozen berries makes this old fashioned cranberry raspberry dump cake accessible for any cook. Whether you serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it as an easy weeknight treat, this cranberry raspberry dump cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Cranberry Raspberry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tart cranberries and sweet raspberries combine under a buttery cake topping to create a vibrant, flavorful dessert. The mix of tart and sweet makes this dump cake ideal for holidays, brunch, or a comforting weeknight dessert.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
¼–½ cup sugar (optional, depending on tartness of berries)
Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Fruit Layer: Spread cranberries and raspberries evenly in the dish. Sprinkle sugar and drizzle vanilla extract over the berries if desired.
Add Cake Layer: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit. Do not stir.
Top with Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and the berries are bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Frozen berries can be used without thawing; add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle ½ teaspoon orange zest over the berries before adding the cake mix.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American