Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Recipe

Love cinnamon, apples, and easy desserts? This apple snickerdoodle dump cake is your kind of magic. Sweet, cozy, and smells amazing!

You get soft apples, buttery cake, and a cinnamon-sugar topping that’s pure heaven. Just dump it, bake it, and dig in. No fancy skills needed.

Perfect for fall nights, holidays, or anytime you want something warm and sweet. Quick, easy, and totally crowd-pleasing.

Let’s grab a pan and start dumping! Cozy cinnamon apple goodness is just minutes away.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Fans often say this is “like apple pie without all the hard work.”
• Simple Yet Comforting: Layers of tart apples, buttery cookie crumble, and hints of cinnamon bring a familiar, heartwarming flavor.
• Effortless to Make: No mixing bowls needed — everything comes together directly in the baking dish.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

• This recipe makes about 12 servings, perfect for potlucks or family desserts.

Difficulty:

• Very easy — ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers looking for a low-stress dessert.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for melting butter
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven mitts
• Knife and cutting board (for slicing apples)

Ingredients for Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cozy dessert to life (exact measurements in the recipe card below):

• Tart Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith for the best texture and tartness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to complement the apples.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruit with a lighter sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Brightens the filling with a touch of citrus.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a sharp contrast to the rich, sugary base.
• Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix: The star of the topping — providing cinnamon-sugar notes and a buttery crumble.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the dry cookie mix into a golden crust.
• Pecans or Walnuts: (Optional) Add crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
• Whipped Cream: (Optional) A soft, creamy topping that makes every slice even more irresistible.

Variations for Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

• Switch the Apples: Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for more complexity.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle a little nutmeg or ground cloves into the apple mixture for a warmer spice profile.
• Mix in Berries: Toss a handful of fresh cranberries with the apples for a festive twist.
• Top with Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
• Use a Different Cookie Mix: If you can’t find snickerdoodle mix, sugar cookie mix with added cinnamon also works well.

How to Make Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of tart apples (around 8 medium apples).
• Spread the apple slices evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Add the Sweetness

• In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
• Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
• Drizzle 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the sugared apples to add brightness and prevent browning.

3. Layer the Cookie Mix

• Open the Snickerdoodle cookie mix (about 17.9 ounces) and sprinkle it evenly over the entire apple and sugar layer.
• Gently shake the pan or pat down lightly to ensure the cookie mix touches all areas.

4. Add the Butter and Nuts

• Melt 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) and drizzle it evenly over the dry cookie mix.
• Sprinkle 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the top if using. Nuts add a toasty flavor and crunchy texture.

5. Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

This dump cake shines when served slightly warm. Here are some easy serving ideas:

• Top with Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream softens the cinnamon sugar crust.
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a melty, creamy contrast.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a pretty finish if you’re serving for a holiday or gathering.

Storing Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

• At Room Temperature: Store loosely covered for up to 2 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Firm Apples: Soft apples can turn mushy — firmer varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully.
• Distribute Butter Evenly: This helps the cookie mix bake into a golden, crisp topping instead of dry patches.
• Don’t Stir Layers: Resist the urge! Dump cakes work by layering, not mixing.
• Let It Rest: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to help the juices thicken slightly.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimate for one serving (based on 12 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	45 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	220 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	30 g
Vitamin C	4% DV
Calcium	6% DV
Iron	4% DV

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands you use.

Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, you can substitute two 21-ounce cans of apple pie filling if you’re short on time. Just skip the sugar and juice layers since the filling is already sweetened and spiced.

What if I don’t have snickerdoodle cookie mix?
You can use a sugar cookie mix and stir in 1–2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to mimic the snickerdoodle flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free snickerdoodle or sugar cookie mix and double-check that your other ingredients (like the nuts) are gluten-free.

How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling juices around the edges. You can gently press the center — it should feel set, not liquidy.

Can I freeze leftover dump cake?
You can freeze portions of dump cake in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Conclusion

Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug — easy to make, cozy to eat, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re craving something quick for a weeknight treat or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a gathering, this dump cake delivers every time.
All you need is a handful of simple ingredients, a baking dish, and a little bit of patience while it bakes. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite easy dessert.