Mouthwatering Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Rustic Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe: Cozy Sweetness

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm apple spices fill the kitchen with this delectable apple snickerdoodle dump cake recipe that promises pure comfort.

Layers of tender apples nestle between buttery cake crumbles, creating a dessert that melts in your mouth.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a rustic, irresistible treat.

Crumbly cake meets soft fruit in a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Cinnamon swirls dance through each bite, promising a delightful experience for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dump cake becomes an instant family favorite.

Grab a fork and prepare for a truly memorable dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Apple Dump Cake Ingredient Set

For Fruity Base:
  • Apple Pie Filling: Delivers sweet, spiced apple goodness with pre-cooked convenience, choose a high-quality brand for best flavor and texture.
For Crispy Topping:
  • Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix, Cinnamon-Sugar Packet: Creates delightful crumbly layer with warm cinnamon notes, select a mix that promises rich buttery flavor.
For Moisture and Richness:
  • Melted Butter: Ensures golden, crispy top and adds luxurious depth, use unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
  • Pecans, Walnuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty complexity, select fresh, high-quality nuts without any rancid smell.

Tools That Help With This Effortless Dessert

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the dump cake, ensuring even cooking and perfect presentation.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining the snickerdoodle cookie mix with the cinnamon-sugar packet.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for spreading ingredients and mixing.
  • Pastry Brush or Spoon: Useful for drizzling melted butter evenly across the cake.

How to Assemble and Bake Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick.

  • Create a Sweet Apple Base

Pour those luscious apple pie filling treasures across the bottom of your dish, spreading them out evenly like a cozy blanket.

  • Sprinkle Cookie Goodness

Grab your snickerdoodle mix and cinnamon-sugar packet, then rain these delightful crumbs all over the apple landscape.

  • Drench with Liquid Gold

Cascade melted butter across the surface, making sure every crumb gets a luxurious butter bath. For extra crunch, shower some chopped nuts on top if you’re feeling adventurous.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven and let it transform for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with sweet promise.

  • Indulge and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool just enough. Serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Dessert Additions That Pair Well with Apples

  • Melt butter slowly to ensure even distribution and prevent burning, creating a golden, crispy topping that adds rich flavor to the dump cake.
  • Swap pecans or walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture that works great for those with nut allergies.
  • Use a gluten-free snickerdoodle cookie mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives to make the recipe completely dairy-free without sacrificing moisture or taste.
  • Experiment with additional warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors, creating a more complex and interesting dessert profile.

Ways to Serve It Warm with Toppings

  • Frosty Vanilla Companion: Serve a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast between the hot dessert and cold, smooth ice cream.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Enhance the cake's richness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top, adding a luxurious touch that complements the apple and cinnamon flavors.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans or walnuts over the cake just before serving, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty depth to each bite.
  • Whipped Cream Wonder: Top the warm cake with a fluffy dollop of homemade whipped cream, creating a light and airy contrast to the dense, sweet dessert.

Best Ways to Save Cake Without Getting Soggy

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat the entire cake in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream after reheating for extra deliciousness.
  • Wrap cooled cake portions individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen dump cake stays tasty for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Always let the cake cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and potential soggy texture. Room temperature serving works best within 2 hours of baking for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade apple pie filling. Just ensure it has a similar consistency and sweetness level as the store-bought version.

  • Is it okay to substitute the snickerdoodle cookie mix with another type of mix?

While snickerdoodle mix provides a unique flavor, you can use sugar cookie or cinnamon cookie mixes as alternatives. The texture and taste might slightly change.

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

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. When you insert a toothpick near the center, it should come out mostly clean with some moist crumbs.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free snickerdoodle cookie mix and ensure your apple pie filling is gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to confirm.

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Mouthwatering Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Mouthwatering Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Scrumptious Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake blends classic cinnamon-sugar cookies with comforting apple dessert. Warm spices and tender fruit create a simple, irresistible treat perfect for family gatherings and sweet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (20 oz / 567 g) apple pie filling
  • 1 package (17.9 oz / 507 g) snickerdoodle cookie mix
  • 1 cinnamon-sugar packet (included with cookie mix)
  • ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) melted butter
  • ½ cup (57 g / 2 oz) chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Whipped cream (for serving)
  • Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Base Layer: Spread apple pie filling evenly across the entire dish bottom, creating a smooth, consistent foundation for the cake.
  3. Dry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine snickerdoodle cookie mix with the cinnamon-sugar packet, ensuring complete integration of flavors and textures.
  4. Layering: Uniformly distribute the seasoned cookie mixture over the apple pie filling, guaranteeing full surface coverage for maximum flavor distribution.
  5. Moisture Enhancement: Drizzle melted butter across the cookie layer, allowing it to seep through and create a rich, moist texture throughout the cake.
  6. Optional Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts across the top for added depth and textural contrast.
  7. Baking Process: Place the prepared cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking.
  8. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and let the cake cool slightly to set its structure, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an decadent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Butter Distribution: Drizzle melted butter evenly to ensure every part of the cookie layer gets moistened, preventing dry spots and creating consistent texture.
  • Temperature Control: Watch the cake closely during baking to prevent over-browning; golden-brown color indicates perfect doneness without burning the cookie topping.
  • Customize Nut Selection: Swap pecans or walnuts with almonds or sunflower seeds for different crunch levels and to accommodate nut allergies or preferences.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before baking for a more intense sweet-spicy profile and attractive caramelized finish.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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