Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

Craving something warm, cinnamon-spiced, and wonderfully easy to make? This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is everything you love about cozy fall desserts—without the hassle. Made with layers of juicy apples, buttery cake mix, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, this cake delivers all the snickerdoodle flavor in a gooey, golden dump cake form. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Fuss Dessert – Just “dump” the ingredients into the pan and bake. No mixing bowls required.
Full of Fall Flavor – Apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar create the ultimate autumn comfort dessert.
Perfect for Crowds – Great for parties, gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
Kid & Adult Approved – Tastes like a warm snickerdoodle cookie in every bite.
Ready in Under an Hour – Minimal prep, big payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional but recommended)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or spoon
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Layer the Apple Filling
Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the filling and stir gently to mix.
Sprinkle the optional chopped nuts evenly over the top if using.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple layer. Do not stir.
Use a spatula or your hands to gently press it down into an even layer.

Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to promote even browning.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of the buttered cake mix.

Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow the dump cake to cool for at least 10-15 minutes to let the layers set slightly.
Scoop into bowls and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
Use Quality Apple Pie Filling – Look for chunky filling with real apple slices.
Distribute Butter Evenly – Drizzle carefully or dot with cold butter if preferred.
Don’t Mix Layers – The magic of a dump cake is in the layering—just dump and bake!
Add a Crunch – Sprinkle nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Serve Fresh – This cake is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.

Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Ice Cream – Melts into the warm cake for a delicious contrast.
Caramel Sauce – Drizzle for a sticky-sweet finish.
Whipped Cream – Adds a light, airy topping to the rich cake.
Hot Apple Cider – Pair with a mug of cider for the ultimate fall treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled cake in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30–60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned?
Yes! Use 5-6 peeled and sliced apples. Toss them with ½ cup sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice to mimic pie filling.

2. What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow cake mix adds a buttery flavor, but white or spice cake mix also work beautifully.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cake mix and replace butter with a plant-based butter alternative.

4. Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s sweet, like a traditional dump cake, but the tartness of the apples and warm spices balance it well.

5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can assemble it ahead and refrigerate, then bake fresh. Or bake it and reheat just before serving.

Final Thoughts
This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall. It’s warm, cinnamon-laced, and full of apple goodness with a deliciously gooey center and crisp topping. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or just because you want something sweet and easy, this dump cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

Try it once and it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to dessert in your recipe box.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 340mg

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