Here is a detailed, step-by-step recipe for a classic Cranberry Dump Cake — a simple dessert where ingredients are layered and baked without mixing.

Cranberry Dump Cake

Ingredients

1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
or 2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz each)
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust depending on sweetness preference)
1 (15–20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
(or 1 cup sliced cold butter for traditional method)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Cranberries

If using fresh cranberries:

Spread fresh cranberries evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup sugar evenly over the cranberries.

If using canned cranberry sauce:

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly in the dish.
You may reduce added sugar to 1/4–1/2 cup or omit if preferred.

Step 3: Add Pineapple

Pour the crushed pineapple (with juice) evenly over the cranberry layer.
Do not stir.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer.
Gently shake the dish to level the surface.
Do not mix the layers.

Step 5: Add Butter

You have two options:

Option 1 (Melted Butter Method):

Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.

Option 2 (Sliced Butter Method – Preferred for Even Texture):

Thinly slice cold butter.
Arrange slices evenly over the entire top of the cake mix.

Step 6: Add Optional Toppings

Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if using.
Lightly dust with cinnamon if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes.
The top should be golden brown and the cranberry filling bubbling at the edges.
If dry patches of cake mix remain after 30 minutes, lightly spray with cooking spray or add a few small butter pieces to those areas.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Light dusting of powdered sugar

Flavor Variations

Use white cake mix for a lighter flavor.
Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
Mix in white chocolate chips for added sweetness.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.