Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Easy Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up a delightful apple snickerdoodle dump cake brings pure comfort to any kitchen gathering.

Layers of sweet apples mingle with cinnamon-sugar crumbles in this effortless dessert.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making it a go-to treat for busy home bakers.

Soft, gooey textures promise a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with just a few simple steps.

Cinnamon lovers will swoon over this rustic, homestyle dessert that practically makes itself.

Grab a fork and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss.

Classic Comfort: Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

  • Ridiculously Simple: No complicated mixing or advanced baking skills required, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious dessert without stress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic snickerdoodle flavors with warm apple pie, creating a nostalgic and universally loved dessert that makes everyone happy.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses just a few pantry staples like cake mix, butter, and canned apple pie filling, making it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly treat.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Delightful on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream, this dessert adapts to different preferences and can be served for casual family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients for Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

For the Fruit Base:
  • Apple Pie Filling: A sweet and spiced base that provides the primary fruity flavor and moisture for the cake.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that creates the cake's structure and adds a classic sweet flavor.
For the Topping and Seasoning:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet, and aromatic layer that enhances the overall dessert flavor.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the cinnamon-sugar topping and adds a subtle tangy note.
  • Nutmeg: Provides a warm, slightly nutty background spice that complements the apple and cinnamon.
For the Binding Ingredient:
  • Butter: Helps create a moist texture and adds rich, golden flavor to the cake.
Optional Serving Companions:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake.

How to Bake Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set your oven to roast at 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Apple Flavor Base

Spread the apple pie filling across the bottom of the prepared dish. Dust the filling with a sprinkle of warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg to enhance the fruity goodness.

Step 3: Layer the Cake Foundation

Shower the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apple layer. Don’t stir or mix – just let it sit prettily on top of the apples.

Step 4: Drench with Buttery Goodness

Gently pour melted butter across the entire cake mix surface. The butter will help create a magical golden crust during baking.

Step 5: Craft Snickerdoodle Topping

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • White sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cream of tartar

Sprinkle this sweet mixture generously over the entire cake surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown and the filling bubbles with excitement.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for ultimate dessert bliss.

Pro Tips for Perfect Dump Cake Texture

  • Swap canned apple pie filling with fresh sliced apples for a more homemade texture and reduced sugar content.
  • Enhance flavor by adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch and nutty depth.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar in the topping if using a very sweet apple pie filling or prefer less sugary desserts.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by patting apple pie filling dry with paper towels before spreading in the baking dish to remove excess liquid.

Variations on Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

  • Gluten-Free Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan cake mix, and replace dairy toppings with coconut whipped cream.
  • Pear Snickerdoodle Variation: Swap apple pie filling with canned pear filling, maintaining the same cinnamon-sugar topping for a different fruity experience.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Dump Cake: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose no-sugar-added pie filling for diabetic-friendly option.

Pairing Suggestions for Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, spiced cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Serve with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Rich, aromatic coffee with a hint of cinnamon enhances the cake's warm spices and provides a cozy, comforting beverage pairing.
  • Match with Caramel Drizzle: Smooth, buttery caramel sauce adds depth and richness, elevating the apple and cinnamon flavors of the dump cake.
  • Enjoy with Chai Tea Latte: Spicy, creamy chai tea mirrors the cake's warm spices and provides a luxurious, comforting drink experience.

Storage Advice for Dump Cake

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.

Wrap individual portions or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Warm individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add more time if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

Preheat oven to 300F. Place cake in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add fresh scoop of ice cream when serving for extra deliciousness.

FAQs

  • What makes the cream of tartar special in this recipe?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the cinnamon-sugar topping and provides a slight tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dump cake.

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

Yes, homemade apple pie filling works perfectly. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought filling for the best results.

  • Is this recipe considered a traditional snickerdoodle dessert?

While it’s inspired by snickerdoodle flavors, this is a modern dump cake variation that combines classic snickerdoodle spices with apple pie filling for a unique dessert experience.

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Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this delightful apple snickerdoodle dump cake, blending cinnamon-spiced apples with buttery cake layers. Effortless preparation and irresistible flavors will make you the star baker at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (20 ounces each) apple pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Topping:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Serving Suggestion:

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray at 350°F (175°C).
  2. Distribute apple pie filling across the bottom of the greased pan, gently dusting with ground cinnamon and nutmeg for enhanced aromatic depth.
  3. Uniformly cascade dry yellow cake mix over the apple layer without disturbing the underlying filling, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Generously drizzle melted butter across the cake mix surface, allowing it to seep through the powdery layer.
  5. Craft a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend by whisking together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and cream of tartar in a small mixing bowl.
  6. Lavishly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire cake surface, creating a delicate, sweet crust.
  7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the filling bubbles enthusiastically.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the dessert to rest and slightly cool for 10-15 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and settle.
  9. Serve warm, optionally crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor complexity by using homemade apple pie filling with a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by patting apple pie filling dry with paper towels before spreading in the baking dish to reduce excess moisture.
  • Add depth to the dessert by sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before drizzling butter for extra crunch and nutty undertones.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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