Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

Warm, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert. It combines sweet spiced apples with soft snickerdoodle cookie vibes, all baked together in one magical, no-fuss dish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is your go-to recipe for potlucks, holidays, or just a sweet ending to a fall dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dump & Bake Simplicity – No mixers or complicated steps.
Warm & Cozy Flavors – Apples, cinnamon, and buttery topping.
Feeds a Crowd – Great for holidays, parties, and family gatherings.
Versatile & Easy – Use fresh or canned apples, and spice it how you like.
Perfectly Gooey – The bottom stays soft and the top turns golden and crisp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling (or 5 cups sliced cooked apples)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cake Topping:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Layer the Apples

1. Pour apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine and spread evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Layer

1. In a medium bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
2. Mix until crumbly and evenly moistened—don’t overmix.
3. Crumble or spoon the mixture over the apples, covering them as evenly as possible.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
2. Sprinkle generously over the top of the cake layer for that classic snickerdoodle crunch.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
2. The edges should bubble slightly and the center should be soft but not wet.
3. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra texture.

Tips for Dump Cake Success
Use Apple Pie Filling for Speed – Or make your own with cooked apples and spices.
Don’t Mix the Layers – Let the ingredients bake in place for the signature texture.
Use Cold Milk – Helps the topping stay soft and tender.
Watch for Bubbling Edges – A sign it’s done and gooey in the center.
Add Extra Cinnamon – Boost the snickerdoodle flavor if you’re a cinnamon lover.

Serving Suggestions
A la Mode – Vanilla or butter pecan ice cream is a dreamy match.
With Whipped Topping – Light and airy contrast to the gooey base.
As a Holiday Dessert – Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
With Coffee or Hot Apple Cider – A warming fall dessert pairing.
Topped with Chopped Nuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness to every bite.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Yes! Sauté 5 cups of peeled, sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon until tender before adding them to the dish.

2. Can I use a spice cake mix instead?
Definitely! It will add even more cinnamon flavor and still taste amazing.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pie filling is gluten-free.

4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready.

5. Can I use other fruit fillings?
Sure! Try peach, pear, or cherry for fun seasonal variations.

Final Thoughts
Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for when you want something easy, warm, and packed with fall flavor. The combination of sweet baked apples and cinnamon-sugar topped cake is comfort food at its best. Whether you’re serving it up for a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy dessert night, this one is guaranteed to please.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dump cake turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 280mg

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