Description
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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Ingredients
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2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
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1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
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½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
For Serving:
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Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional but recommended)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American