There’s something magical about the words “dump cake.” It’s like baking is giving you permission to skip the fancy steps and just toss deliciousness into a dish. And when that dump cake happens to be an Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake? Oh, friends—you’re in for a cozy, cinnamon-kissed hug of a dessert.

This recipe combines apple pie filling with a snickerdoodle cake mix, a touch of spice, and a buttery golden topping. The oven does all the hard work while your kitchen fills with the scent of warm apples and cinnamon. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef—or even own a stand mixer—to pull it off.

Serve it warm, scoop it with ice cream, and watch it disappear. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, weeknight cravings, or when you just want something sweet without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

Effortless baking: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Cozy spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg make it taste like autumn in every bite.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday tables.
Customizable: Add nuts, drizzle with caramel, or top with ice cream.
Quick cleanup: One baking dish, one spoon, no stress.

Ingredients

1 box snickerdoodle cake mix
2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Apples

Spread apple pie filling evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the snickerdoodle cake mix evenly over the apples.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Mix cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the cake mix.

Step 5: Butter Blanket

Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top.

Step 6: Nutty Finish (Optional)

Sprinkle chopped pecans for crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Step 8: Rest & Serve

Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

Room-temp butter is easier to drizzle and spreads more evenly.
Don’t skip the 10-minute rest—it helps the filling set.
Want extra gooey? Use 1½ cans of filling for a softer base.
A drizzle of caramel sauce turns this into an instant showstopper.

Bake It With the Littles

This is the ultimate kid-friendly dessert:

Let little hands sprinkle the cake mix.
Kids can “paint” the butter on with a pastry brush for fun.
Bonus: They’ll love watching it bubble up in the oven.

Meal-Prep Magic

Make ahead: Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
Freezer tip: Freeze baked cake in portions for up to 2 months.

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Use light butter or coconut oil instead of full butter.
Try a sugar-free apple pie filling for fewer calories.
Swap in gluten-free cake mix to make it celiac-friendly.
Add rolled oats to the topping for extra fiber and crunch.

Leftover Remix

Apple Crumble Parfait: Layer cold dump cake with yogurt or whipped cream.
Breakfast Treat: Warm leftovers and top with Greek yogurt for a cozy morning bite.
Milkshake Dream: Blend with vanilla ice cream for an apple pie milkshake.

Gift It Like a Pro

Scoop portions into mason jars, tie with ribbon, and add a little tag: “Best served warm with ice cream.” It’s thoughtful, easy, and sure to bring smiles.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Yellow cake, spice cake, or vanilla all work beautifully.

Do I need to stir the layers?
Nope! Just “dump” and bake—that’s the beauty of dump cake.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely—cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s heavenly.

Final Thought

This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that makes everyone think you fussed, when in reality you just “dumped and baked.” With its buttery golden top, cozy spices, and sweet apple filling, it’s pure comfort in a pan. Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or anytime your sweet tooth comes calling.

PIN IT OR SAVE IT