7 Ways to Put a Thanksgiving Spin on Dump Cakes

What is the first thing you typically want to do after Thanksgiving dinner? Chances are, you’re probably thinking about taking a nap…or having just a little bit more to eat before calling it quits. But after such extensive dinner preparation, sometimes you don’t have the strength to muster up a fancy dessert spread, and understandably so.

Behold the power of the dump. Yes, you read that correctly: a dump cake. This easy dessert with the most unappealing name—yet ironically, the best taste—is a must-have, especially if you’re too wiped out to channel your inner Betty Crocker.

The best part about this option? Your time in the kitchen is minimal. The prep process for one of these bad boys is exactly what you’d imagine: dump the pre-made ingredients (according to a particular order that the recipe calls for) and bake. Viola! All you need to do is grab a base of cake mix and a few fillings—that’s all it takes. And if you are in need of a good pan to make the magic happen, here’s a great non-stick 9 x 13-inch pan.

Of course, now that Thanksgiving is getting closer and closer, you have to start thinking about every little detail. Here’s how you can embrace the season and provide a swoon-worthy autumn dump (most importantly, with minimal effort).

Use your Thanksgiving side dishes as inspiration:

Apple Cranberry Dump Cake

Happy Go Lucky

Whether you prefer your cranberry sauce from the can or whipped up from scratch (Team Can all the way, in case you were wondering), it is the perfect fall flavor to put in your dump. Kara, the brains behind the blog Happy Go Lucky, decided to provide her readers with an excellent example of a Thanksgiving dump: Apple Cranberry—two fall favorites in one. You’ll be in business with ½ cup of chopped walnuts, yellow cake mix, cranberry sauce and apple pie filling, and a stick of butter. Get the recipe.

Channel one of your favorite fall activities:

Apple Spice Dump Cake

Never Ending Journeys

What October and November is complete without bobbing for apples? After an apple picking excursion with friends and family, set a few pieces of fruit aside for an Apple Spice Dump Cake. Never Ending Journeys gives readers a little bit of spice and everything nice with Betty Crocker spice mix, apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Much on one of the apples you picked while making this delightful dish. Get the recipe.

Don’t be afraid to embrace the pumpkin:

Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake

The Country Cook

Look, you might have been sipping Pumpkin Spice Lattes since August, but you cannot escape the orange goodness this time year, no matter how hard you try. And let’s be honest: It is pretty tasty, so the more pumpkin desserts, the merrier. The Country Cook’s Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake—spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon—basically screams “Happy Thanksgiving.” Get the recipe.

Put a new spin on classic desserts:

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Dump Cake

My Incredible Recipes

The Pecan Pie is no stranger to holiday tables, but you can turn the typical dish on its head thanks to Pumpkin Pecan Dump Cake from the blog Incredible Recipes From Heaven. You’ll be treated to the best of both worlds with the pecan and pumpkin taste. No need to tell me twice. Get the recipe.

Go decadent:

Crock Pot Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Tammi Lee Tips

It’s cold outside and you’re more than entitled to a dish of comfort food. Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake from Tammilee Tips drives the coziness factor into full effect. With the combination of devil’s food cake mix, caramels, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chocolate pudding, who could resist? Get the recipe.

Let the finishing touch make a statement:

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Wine and Glue

When desserts are gifted with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it really puts the icing on the cake… well, you know what I mean. Might I suggest a bit of vanilla ice cream to accompany Wine and Glue’s Caramel Apple Dump Cake? Really indulge and add some whipped cream, too. Why not? It’s Thanksgiving. Get the recipe.

Find some seasonal drinks to go with your cake:

Pinterest

You can have regular ‘ol tea and coffee any time of the year, but get into the festivities this Thanksgiving with options such as the Mocha Nut Latte or Apple Cranberry Tea from Trader Joe’s.

For more Thanksgiving tips, hacks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide.​

Related video: How to Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Lasagna

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Essential Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks So You Can Focus on Wine

Let me guess. Mom made one snide comment about you not having “backup linens,” so you volunteered to host Thanksgiving and prove what an adult you are. Didn’t think she’d call your bluff, and now you’ve got 11 people to cook for and almost no time or idea how to do it.

Deep breath. You CAN do this, but you’re going to need some holiday hacks…lots and lots of hacks. We’ve plumbed the depths to bring you the best cooking tips and hosting tricks, designed to conserve what little time and sanity remains AND deliver a Thanksgiving for the ages.

Let’s get to it…

Make a List & Plan

This might be the single most important thing you can do, right after Aunt Janet-proofing the liquor cabinet. Map out what exactly you have to do, what you need to do it, approximately how long it will take, and how much oven/stovetop space it’ll require (often overlooked).

Next, type it up neatly or plug into a handy app like the Paprika Recipe Manager to keep you organized and on track and do your shopping a few days before to avoid supermarket stampedes.

Turkey

Let’s start here since this is probably the single most important, complicated, and time-consuming item on the menu. Make your motto “High and Dry” (don’t worry, we’ll explain) and you’ll be in excellent shape.

Go Dry

Brining, or the infusion of salt into the meat for flavor and moisture, has become somewhat ubiquitous for notoriously dry turkey and is highly recommended.

A dry brine (vigorous salt rub) is a much simpler endeavor than the classic wet brine requiring fewer steps, less time, space, and equipment. Dry brines also result in a very salty, crispy skin, so yeah…go dry!

Chowhound

Get our Dry-Brined Roast Turkey recipe.

There are still some purists who swear by a no-brine bird, however, so don’t stress if you must forego.

Get High

Much can be said for high-heat cooking with regard to results and, naturally, it cuts cooking time down quite a bit.

The below recipe calls for only two hours at a scalding hot 500-525 degrees for a 16 to 18-pound bird. Be careful to adjust for time and weight and this should yield a juicy bird with extra crispy skin. And to get that perfect temperature, make sure to get a digital instant read meat thermometer.

Genius Kitchen

Get the recipe.

Spatch Me if You Can

Spatch cooking, an increasingly popular method by which the turkey’s backbone is removed and breastbones are cracked so the bird cooks flat (and fast), is a no-brainer if time is of the essence.

Admittedly, you won’t get that Norman Rockwell glamour shot for Instagram, but your turkey cooks in a fraction of the time and the risk of drying out decreases greatly. To save even more time, have your butcher ‘spatch’ the turkey for you and note that you can and should still brine it.

Chowhound

Get our Butterflied Roasted Turkey recipe.

The Make-Aheads

If your turkey motto is “High and Dry,” make your motto for everything else “what can be done before, should be done before.” Catchy, right?

Mashed Potatoes

This side dish hall-of-famer is a sneaky time-suck on Thanksgiving. The good news is you can make them up to two days ahead and reheat without losing any of the fluffy, creamy goodness.

Cooks Illustrated

Get the recipe.

Save even more time (and confuse anyone who lives with you) by washing your potatoes in the dishwasher. WITHOUT soap!

More Make-Aheads:

This Chowhound list of make-ahead recipes will be your very best friend. We’ve even pulled out a few favorites to get you started.

• Gravy can be refrigerated or frozen ahead of time and whisked back to life in a saucepan before serving. Get our Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy recipe.

Chowhound

• Stuffing will need to be popped back in the oven or under the broil to re-crisp the top, but with all the chopping and mixing involved, you’re well advised to to pre-prepare. Get our Make-Ahead Apple and Sage Stuffing recipe.

Chowhound

• Making desserts ahead of time is a no-brainer since they keep well. Fruit pies are okay, but can occasionally suffer from soggy-crust syndrome. This Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, however, will thrive. Even overnight. Get our Make-Ahead Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake recipe.

Chowhounf

• Somehow lost in the shuffle, is arguably the best part of Thanksgiving, or any holiday: The booze! Throw together a fun and fabulous large batch cocktail, like this Hot Spiked Wassail, and watch Aunt Janet go! Get our Make-Ahead Hot Spiked Wassail recipe.

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Pre-Chop & Prep

Chopping vegetables is proven to be therapeutic, but not when you’ve got 427 other things to do: the dog just swallowed a fidget spinner and your sister showed up early with her “free-spirited” twins.

Do yourself a favor: Chop, peel, and wash as much as you can the night before and seal in plastic bags or Tupperware. You’ll be so glad you did.

Get Bossy

Don’t be afraid to delegate dishes and tasks to guests, but be smart and gauge their strengths and capabilities in advance. Don’t put your nephew, a sophomore at Michigan State, in charge of the bar, for instance. You’ll end up with an ice luge and 30-pack of Busch Light.

Some people love cooking and will be delighted to pitch in, but give options, like a dessert or simple side dish. If you are going to ask for help, do it passively and make sure they really have the time. They may genuinely be too busy, and nobody wants a Grudge Judy at the table.

Well, that’s all. I think you’re ready.  Get out there and hack your way to a Thanksgiving so delicious and stress-free, you might just volunteer to host Christmas.

Just kidding…don’t do that. Put down the wine.

Related video: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Menu

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Tips for the Perfect Pie Crust

The two imperatives of Thanksgiving pie crust are make it tender, and make it flaky. Those things don’t happen by accident though. These tips from our Test Kitchen range from the best way to transport your rolled-out dough from counter to pie dish, to how to roll a rectangular sheet. Amy Wisniewski leads the way to the perfect holiday-meal ender.

Keep Things Chill

Chowhound

The key to producing flaky,tender pie crust is starting with very cold fat and super-frigid ice water. For pointers, check out our quick video tip on How to Ensure a Tender Pie Crust.

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Eyes on the Corners

Chowhound

For a large apple galette, a sheet of focaccia, or pan pizza, you need to roll out a reasonably rectangular sheet of dough, but how to do that when you’re starting with a round disc? The answer: Roll from the middle to the corners, and in no time you’ll achieve the ultimate shape-shifting trick. Watch this quick video tip, How to Roll Rectangular Dough, for visual coaching.

Work That Pin

Chowhound

Rolling out the dough is only the beginning—you’ve still got to transfer that sheet of pastry to your pie dish. The easiest, least traumatic way to do this is by using your rolling pin as a transport device. Simply roll the dough onto your pin like it’s a pig in a blanket, then unroll into the dish. Check out this quick video tutorial, Transporting Pie Dough.

Give It a Break

Chowhound

Recipes tell you to let your pie dough rest for at least 30 minutes, but do you really need to? The short answer: Duh. Letting your formed or rolled pie dough rest gives the gluten a chance to relax, and the moisture to distribute evenly throughout the dough—two ways to ensure your pie will be flaky, tender, and memorable in a good way. Watch this quick and emphatic video reminder, Why You Should Rest Pie Dough.

So what are you waiting for? Put these tips to action with our Pie Dough or Flaky Pie Crust.

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Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars are easy to make for the holidays, easy to transport, and even easier to eat. They're just like pecan pie, but no need for the knife and fork!

Continue reading "Pecan Pie Bars" »

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Pressure Cooker Taco Soup

Pressure Cooker Taco Soup for dinner! Topped with crushed tortilla chips, chopped onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, you get the flavors of a crispy taco in every bite.

Continue reading "Pressure Cooker Taco Soup" »

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How to Throw a Friendsgiving When Your Friends Have Kids

Those Friendsgivings from your early 20s have changed. Even if you don’t have children, chances are some of your friends do. And like it or not, that means celebrating the holiday is different than when you first bumped beers on Thirsty Thursdays during your college days.

If you’re hosting Friendsgiving this year, you must take into account a potential mini-me, or two, or three. (These things just multiply, don’t they?) But that doesn’t mean you have to baby-proof your house and lock up all the liquor. “Think of kids as a fun addition and they will be,” says cookbook author (and mother of a 3-year-old) Ali Rosen, who writes about potluck recipes. “No one will sing louder or have more joy than kids.” If you take Rosen’s advice below and pick up a pack of crayons and a pad of paper at the store, you’ll have nothing to stress over (except, you know, cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal for your chosen family).

Rule No. 1: Start early

At least, start earlier than say, 8 p.m.. Do you really want kids crying, tired, and out of sorts? Consider inviting guests as early as 2 p.m. Often you won’t have dinner ready for another hour or two anyway. Also be warned—kids need food immediately. “No matter what time dinner starts, make sure to have some snacks on hand for arrival. Simple items like a cheese plate or veggies and hummus can be perfect without adding too much to your cooking plate,” she says.

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Rule No. 2: Have toys

You can ask parents to bring some toys or activities for their children, but it’s a thoughtful gesture to provide a little something yourself. No need to spend a ton of money at a toy store. Pick up crayons, tape, and paper at the supermarket. “It’s really all about avoiding hunger and boredom,” Rosen says. “So if you can have a few easy games on hand, that helps a lot.” She recommends Jenga, because younger kids can use the pieces as stacking blocks too.

Rule No. 3: Child-proof your home

No one expects you to cover all your electrical outlets and rig your drawers and cabinets with child-proof locks. But you can stow away some of your more delicate items that are within toddler reach. Also, let your guests know if you have pets and how they are with children. If they’re not so great consider boarding them for the day.

Rule No. 4: The food is fine

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Let’s be real here. Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t usually include a ton of crazy dishes that scare those white-food-only children. The holiday’s traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, rolls, and pies are all about comfort and nostalgia — food that’s friendly for even the pickiest kids. “I am a big advocate of making kids eat like adults,” Rosen says. “So as long as you have variety, there should be enough for everyone. Don’t feel like you have to go out of your way with different dishes for the kids.”

Rule No. 5: Make kid accommodations at the table

Save yourself from potential hazards and forgo the good silverware for your little guests. Grab some disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Ask parents to bring sippy cups if their child’s dexterity requires it. You don’t have to provide everything. “And if you want to go all out, a kids-only table with a paper tablecloth they can draw on will also be distracting for a good amount of time,” Rosen says. “It’s all about letting your adult friends have a moment to themselves!”

Related Video: Friendsgiving Brunch

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You’ll Love These Unique Themes for This Year’s Friendsgiving

If you’ve ever been to a Friendsgiving, you likely had a great time. Great food. Great adult beverages. Great people. Lots of laughs. And maybe it was so much fun, you decided to host your own this year. But, here’s the thing: Friendsgiving has become an “event,” and you and your guests are likely to get invited to a couple of these things. The last thing you want to do is contribute to the white noise. Even the most ardent turkey fiend will grow wary of attending another tired, played out faux-Thanksgiving feast. So, what do you do? Well, you make yours stand out in some way. Below, a few ideas.

Be Charitable

How do you show gratitude? Consider arranging an outing to your nearest food pantry, soup kitchen, religious organization, or animal shelter. Still want a meal? Ask your friends to make triple batches of everything, and donate the leftovers to a local soup kitchen or food pantry. (Side note: touch base with them first to learn about any restrictions they have about accepting food).

Go Green

If you don’t have much in the way of tabletop decor and you’re environmentally conscious, host a more eco-friendly event. You can send invites via Evite or Paperless Post that call attention to your exclusive use of biodegradable straws, eco-plates, compostable cutlery, and plant-based wine cups.

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Try Wine Pairings

Let’s face it: people love wine. With that in mind, separate your Friendsgiving from all the rest by including your menu and your course-by-course wine pairings on your invite. Turkey  is incredibly versatile and can accommodate a spectrum of whites and reds. And the wide range of side dishes come with a lot of interesting possibilities. For some solid ideas on what to serve, check this out.

Shutterstock

Make It a Costume Party

Halloween wasn’t that long ago. Asks guests to show up as their favorite Thanksgiving movie character. Or select a time-period and have people come in formal attire from that era. Maybe you could have them come dressed as their favorite Thanksgiving food. You know what, you know your friends best. What would they be into?

If You’re On A Budget

One word: potluck. Or if you want to make the dinner yourself, instead of turkey, try fried or rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Then, scale down your side offerings to the basics: mashed potatoes, Stove Top stuffing, and green bean casserole (RIP Dorcas Reilly).

Eat Out

If you live in a 600 square foot apartment like I once did, consider hosting your meal elsewhere. If it’s warm where you are, think about a picnic. Also know many restaurants offer their own turkey dinners for all the other people who don’t want to cook (or don’t have the space). If you’re Friendsgiving isn’t on the big day, forget the turkey altogether and grab a steak, sushi, or tapas. You’ll get to eat all the traditional stuff with your family, anyway.

Everyone Use The Same Cookbook

Pick a cookbook you love and ask every guest to take on a recipe they’ll make at home. This is good for those who don’t want to do all the cooking, but would like a little bit more control and consistency when it comes to the flavors on the table.

Hold a “Secret Gratitude” Party

Everyone is familiar with Secret Santa, right? Well, what if instead of giving gifts, guests write notes that express how much they appreciate one another. You can choose how many notes you want each guest to receive, match them up, and decide on whether you want them to read the notes aloud, or keep them to themselves. Chances are your guests will leave your party on cloud nine—even if they don’t have a drop of alcohol!

Make It a Drinksgiving

Remember your soon-after-college days when your Friendsgiving was nothing more than meeting up with your friends at a local bar the night before the official day? Resume a similar practice, but class it up by hosting people at your house, and prepare a drink menu of Thanksgiving themed cocktails, like these here.

Play Games

You can only answer the questions, “How’s work?” and “What’s going on?” so many times. Spice things up by asking people to bring their favorite board game. If you’re planning an all-day extravaganza, you can play all of them. If you’re a bit more crunched for time, you can play one round of each for an hour or two. Check out Amazon for some good games for groups.

Do Apps Only

A full Thanksgiving feast is a lot of work to prepare (not to mention the clean up). Which is why some hors-d’oeuvres only may be the way to go. My only advice as a larger-than-average man that loves to eat: make sure you are clear about your intentions in your invitation, and host the event at a time that’s not typically reserved for a full meal. Here are some ideas!

Related Video: Delicious Vegan Friendsgiving Cookies with CBD Oil

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