Oh, do I have a treat for you today! The Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is one of those recipes that just feels like home. Picture this: the sweet aroma of cinnamon apples filling your kitchen, topped with a buttery, golden snickerdoodle crumb. Trust me, you’re going to love this. It’s cozy, it’s indulgent, and it’s so easy you won’t believe it. The best part? It’s made with ingredients you probably already have, so no running to the store! This cake is perfect for a casual get-together, a cozy family night, or even when you just need a quick dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Why You’ll Love Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
This dessert isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a feeling. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need something quick and comforting, this dump cake fits the bill. Here’s why this recipe is always a hit:
Versatile
Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just need an easy after-dinner treat. It’s one of those dishes where people will ask for the recipe by the end of the night!
Budget-Friendly
This dump cake is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy items required—just good ol’ basics that come together to create something magical.
Quick and Easy
Not all recipes need to be complicated, and this one proves it! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time. Perfect for anyone who loves to cook, but doesn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
Customizable
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! You can add in some nuts or swap the apples for pears or peaches—there’s no wrong way to make this dessert your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s got that classic sweet and cinnamon flavor that everyone loves, from kids to adults. Seriously, who can resist that combination? It’s always a winner at parties and family dinners.
Ingredients in Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
Here’s the magic of this dump cake—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Apples
These juicy fruits bring the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They soften beautifully as they bake, soaking up all the wonderful cinnamon and sugar.
Cinnamon Sugar
The heart of the snickerdoodle flavor! This mix adds a cozy, warm sweetness that is so comforting. You’ll find it sprinkled all throughout the dish, making every bite a little slice of heaven.
Cake Mix
No need to make a cake from scratch here! The cake mix makes this dessert quick and easy, while still providing that delicious soft crumb topping we all love in a dump cake.
Butter
The golden, melt-in-your-mouth topping that makes this dessert irresistible. It creates the perfect golden-brown crust that you’ll want to dig into immediately.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature. This ensures even cooking and gives your dessert that perfect texture—soft and gooey on the inside, golden brown on top.
Prepare the Apples
Slice the apples and arrange them evenly in the baking dish. Don’t worry about perfection here—just make sure they’re spread out well. The apples will cook down beautifully in the oven, so it’s all about the flavor!
Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle that heavenly cinnamon sugar mix generously over the apples. You want to make sure the apples are well-coated, so they absorb all that delicious sweetness.
Add the Cake Mix
Now, pour the cake mix evenly over the apples and cinnamon sugar. No need to mix it in—just let it sit on top like a big, fluffy blanket.
Add the Butter
Slice your butter and scatter it evenly over the top of the cake mix. As it bakes, the butter will melt into the cake, creating that perfect golden-brown topping.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake it for the recommended time. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, while the apples are tender and fragrant. The best part? Your whole kitchen will smell like heaven.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your cake is done, let it cool for just a bit—if you can wait! Serve warm, and maybe top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. It’s so easy to make, but trust me, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a showstopper every time.
Nutrition Facts
Servings:1/12 of the cake
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
This dump cake is delicious all on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even better:
Ice Cream
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for that extra indulgence. The cold ice cream perfectly balances the warm cake.
Caramel Sauce
Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top for a little extra sweetness and richness.
Whipped Cream
If you’re looking for a lighter topping, whipped cream is always a winner. It’ll add that cloud-like finish that complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead
You can prepare the apples and cinnamon sugar mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add the cake mix and butter, and you’re good to go.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of spice. A dash of vanilla extract in the cake mix also adds an extra depth of flavor.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for the best results.
Double the Batch
This recipe is perfect for doubling. If you’re having a crowd over, just make two batches and watch them disappear.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different fruit?
A1: Yes, you can swap the apples for other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries. Each fruit will bring its own delicious twist!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the apples and cinnamon sugar ahead of time, but I recommend baking it just before serving so it’s warm and fresh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.
Q4: Can I freeze this dump cake?
A4: Yes! Freeze it after baking, and reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Q5: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A5: Absolutely! A spice cake or vanilla cake mix would work wonderfully as alternatives.
Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, just swap the cake mix for a gluten-free variety. The rest of the recipe will stay the same!
Q8: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A8: Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a great crunch and flavor.
Q9: How do I prevent the cake from being too soggy?
A9: Make sure to distribute the butter evenly, and don’t stir the ingredients. The butter will naturally seep into the cake mix as it bakes.
Q10: What’s the best way to serve this for a party?
A10: Serve it in a large, beautiful dish and provide scoops of ice cream on the side. It’s the perfect dessert to share!
Conclusion
This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the warm comfort of cinnamon apples with the irresistible snickerdoodle topping. It’s so easy to make, and yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this dessert is bound to impress!
PrintApple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that combines the comforting flavors of spiced apple pie with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping. With minimal effort, you’ll get a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for fall or any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for snickerdoodle flavor)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: Spread the apple pie filling in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg (if using).
- Add the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apples without stirring.
- Drizzle the butter: Pour the melted butter over the cake mix.
- Make the cinnamon-sugar topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and cream of tartar (if using). Sprinkle over the cake.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger snickerdoodle flavor, add the cream of tartar to the topping.
- Let the cake cool a bit before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- You can use store-bought apple pie filling for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg