If you’re looking for a dessert that’s warm, buttery, brimming with cinnamon-kissed apples, and couldn’t be easier to make, the Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This marvelously gooey cake takes everything we love about classic snickerdoodles and marries it with luscious apple pie filling. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a bubbling, golden beauty in the oven that tastes like pure autumn comfort—whether you’re hosting friends, taking a dish to a potluck, or just craving a cozy treat at home, this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe absolutely delivers on flavor and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an important role in creating that signature cinnamon crunch and soft, apple-filled center. Don’t skip or swap these without considering the flavor and texture they’re bringing to the party!
- Apple Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): The sweet, syrupy apples are the heart and soul, ensuring a luscious, fruity base in every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that cozy warmth and classic snickerdoodle flavor right into the apples.
- Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): This magical shortcut gives you an instant, fluffy cake layer with almost no work.
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick, melted): Soaks into the cake mix for a rich, golden crust and ensures you get that irresistible buttery finish.
- Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Lends just a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Creates that signature snickerdoodle sweetness and crackly top.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, for topping): Finishes everything off with extra cinnamon sparkle on top.
How to Make Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—a little spray or butter works wonders. Empty both cans of apple pie filling into the pan and spread them out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon right over the apples for that first hit of spiced goodness—it’s already smelling amazing!
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Open your cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix directly over the cinnamon-dusted apples. Don’t mix it in—just let it blanket the whole surface in a nice, even layer. This sets the stage for a perfect tender topping that soaks up all those juicy apple flavors as it bakes.
Step 3: Butter the Top
Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the surface of your dry cake mix, trying to hit as many dry spots as possible—this is the secret to golden, crisped corners with a soft center. If you’ve got stubborn dry bits, don’t sweat it; the finished cake will still be irresistible!
Step 4: Make the Snickerdoodle Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, the remaining ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture across the buttery cake surface. This topping bakes into a crackly, cinnamon-sugar crust that tastes just like your favorite snickerdoodle cookies.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Try to let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes (I know, it’s tough!) so everything sets slightly but keeps that wonderful warmth. Now you’re ready to scoop it up—served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s absolute perfection!
How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic—it melts into the warm spice, accentuating every bite. Dollop freshly whipped cream for extra decadence, or try a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for bakery-style flair. Even a little caramel drizzle will take your Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe to the next level.
Side Dishes
This rich, cinnamon-scented dessert almost steals the spotlight on its own, but if you’d like to round it out, serve with crisp apple slices or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A warm coffee or spiced chai makes for a dreamy after-dinner pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop your Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe into mason jars for a charming, portable treat at parties or picnics. For special occasions, cut into squares and set on a platter dusted with powdered sugar. Or, serve in individual ramekins and let guests build their own toppings bar—whipped cream, nuts, even extra cinnamon sugar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover (don’t count on it!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Your Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe will stay moist and delicious in the fridge for up to four days, ready for a sweet snack whenever the mood strikes.
Freezing
This dessert actually freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready for more, thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re good to go. The flavors remain comforting, and the texture bounces right back after reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a portion into the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds, or reheat the whole pan in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 15 minutes. Serve straight away—if you like, add a scoop of ice cream as the finishing touch!
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works like a dream in the Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe. Just make sure your filling is fully cooked and sweetened, with a texture similar to the canned version for the best results.
What’s the best way to get the topping crisp and golden?
The real trick is making sure you drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix. Don’t worry if some dry spots remain; the topping will still crisp beautifully as the butter melts and combines with the sugar and spice topping.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
You definitely can! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a fantastic addition for some crunch. Sprinkle them right over the cake mix layer before adding the butter, for bakery-inspired results.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the yellow cake mix for your favorite gluten-free cake mix. Most gluten-free mixes work well in this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe—just double-check baking times, as they might vary a bit.
Will this recipe work with different fruit fillings?
Yes! While apples are classic, you can experiment with peach, cherry, or blueberry pie filling. The snickerdoodle topping brings out the best in a variety of fruit bases, letting you customize this crowd-pleaser for any season.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited to try this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe as I am to share it with you. With its five-minute prep and unforgettable flavor, it’s an instant classic in any kitchen. Gather your friends, dish up a warm serving, and let the cinnamon-apple aroma make your day just a little sweeter!
Print
Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake. A simple and comforting dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the sweetness of a buttery cake topping.
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake Topping:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the apple filling: Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the apples.
- Add the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple filling, covering it completely. Pour the melted butter over the top.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the cake.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream if desired.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping with chopped nuts before baking.
- Homemade apple pie filling can be used for a more personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
