Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

The Perfect Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe For Fall Baking

Sweet cinnamon whispers dance through my kitchen whenever I bake this irresistible apple snickerdoodle dump cake that feels like a warm hug from grandma.

Memories of childhood swirl around each delectable bite, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Layers of tender apples meld seamlessly with soft, crumbly cake beneath a buttery cinnamon-sugar blanket.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this simple yet magical dessert.

Pantry staples transform into a rustic masterpiece that fills your home with incredible aromas.

You’ll want to grab a fork and savor each heavenly mouthful right from the baking dish.

Dive in and let this comforting treat become your new favorite sweet indulgence.

FAQs About Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

  • Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, homemade apple pie filling works perfectly. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to the canned version and spread it evenly in the baking dish.

  • Do I need to mix the cake mix with anything before adding it to the dish?

No, you’ll sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the apple pie filling without mixing or preparing it beforehand.

  • How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling apple filling around the edges. The cake should be set but still moist, typically after 45-50 minutes of baking.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your apple pie filling is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe Is So Comforting

  • Conquer Quick Dessert: Minimal prep steps transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat perfect for busy home bakers wanting delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Warm cinnamon and apple flavors create a nostalgic dessert that hugs your taste buds, delivering pure comfort in every single bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Magic: This versatile recipe works brilliantly for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings, satisfying everyone from kids to grandparents with its simple yet delectable profile.
  • Stress-Free Baking: No complicated mixing or measuring required – just layer ingredients and let the oven work its magic, making this recipe ideal for novice bakers or those wanting hassle-free dessert preparation.

Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe Ingredient Guide

Fruit Base:
  • Apple Pie Filling: A sweet and tender base that provides the primary fruity flavor for the dessert.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Serves as the quick and easy topping that transforms into a delicious golden cake layer.
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: A warm and aromatic spice blend that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
Wet and Topping Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden top for the cake.
  • Pecans, Walnuts: Optional nuts that provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dessert.

How To Bake Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Apple Foundation

Spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a luscious fruity base that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Sprinkle Magical Spice Blend

Whip up a dreamy spice mixture with:
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Sugar

Dust this heavenly blend evenly over the apple filling, infusing it with warm, comforting flavors.

Step 4: Blanket with Cake Mix

Shower the dry yellow cake mix over the spiced apple layer. Let it sit untouched like a fluffy white blanket on top of the fruity landscape.

Step 5: Drench with Liquid Gold

Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface, ensuring every inch of cake mix gets a luxurious butter bath.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch (Optional)

Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for an extra layer of texture and nutty goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges. If the surface browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Allow the cake to cool for 5-10 minutes. This short pause helps it set, making serving a breeze.

Helpful Hints For Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal and clean slices.
  • Control Browning Technique: Watch the cake's top while baking and keep aluminum foil nearby to cover if it browns too quickly, protecting the delicate surface.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Toast chopped nuts before adding to the cake for a deeper, richer nutty taste that elevates the overall dessert experience.
  • Serve with Flair: Top warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm apple and cinnamon flavors.
  • Texture Variation Tip: Use different apple pie filling varieties like caramel or cinnamon-spiced to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.

Tasty Variations Of Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Fruity Dump Cake: Swap yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use gluten-free pie filling. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Pear Cinnamon Crumble Version: Replace apple pie filling with pear filling. Add extra cinnamon and a sprinkle of ground ginger for a warming flavor profile.
  • Vegan Berry Friendly Cake: Use dairy-free butter substitute, vegan cake mix, and choose a plant-based fruit filling. Scatter chopped almonds on top for extra crunch.
  • Low-Sugar Healthier Option: Select sugar-free pie filling, use a reduced-sugar cake mix, and replace regular butter with coconut oil. Add chia seeds for nutritional boost.

What Pairs Nicely With Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

  • Spice Up the Cinnamon Dance: Pair this warm, comforting apple snickerdoodle dump cake with a creamy chai latte for a spice-lovers' dream combination that echoes the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
  • Creamy Contrast Delight: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a temperature and texture contrast that balances the cake's warm, rich flavors and provides a cool, smooth complement.
  • Beverage Harmony Boost: Choose a crisp apple cider or a light amber ale to enhance the apple undertones and complement the cake's sweet, buttery profile with a complementary beverage that adds depth to each bite.

How To Store Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe Right

  • Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual portions or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Thaw frozen cake in refrigerator overnight. Warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Reheat single servings on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Add a small splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent cake from becoming tough.
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Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake promises comfort and sweetness in one delightful dessert. Cinnamon-spiced apples meld with buttery cake crumbles, creating a simple yet mouthwatering treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (21 ounces / 595 grams each) apple pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
  2. Distribute the apple pie filling across the entire bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even base layer.
  3. Combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar in a small mixing bowl, then generously dust this aromatic spice blend over the apple filling to enhance its flavor profile.
  4. Carefully scatter the dry yellow cake mix across the spiced apple layer, maintaining an untouched, even surface without mixing.
  5. Gently cascade melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring comprehensive coverage and potential crispy edges.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts across the top for a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone.
  7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown crust and the apple filling begins to bubble energetically around the edges. If the top browns too rapidly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  8. Allow the cake to rest and slightly solidify for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps maintain its structural integrity and enhances serving ease.

Notes

  • Swap out yellow cake mix for gluten-free or alternative cake mixes to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice mixture for a more complex, warming flavor profile that elevates the traditional Snickerdoodle taste.
  • Enhance the dessert’s richness by drizzling caramel sauce or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving, creating a decadent contrast to the warm cake.
  • Consider using fresh apple slices mixed with pie filling for a more homemade texture and added natural fruit chunks that provide extra bite and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 355
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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