Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

If warm, cinnamon-sugar coziness had a flavor, this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake would be it. It’s everything you love about classic snickerdoodle cookies—sweet, spiced, buttery—blended with the soft, baked-apple goodness of a fall crisp. But the best part? You literally just dump, layer, and bake. No mixing bowls. No fuss. Just gooey, golden, cinnamon-swirled perfection.

Thank you so much for being here. I love sharing these low-effort, high-reward desserts that bring people together. If you’d like more recipes like this one delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe below. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this kind of magic coming.

What Is Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake?

A “dump cake” is a shortcut dessert made by layering ingredients—usually canned fruit, boxed cake mix, and butter—into a baking dish and letting the oven do all the work. This version is inspired by snickerdoodle cookies, with plenty of cinnamon, sugar, and a soft, cake-like top over warm apple pie filling.

It’s apple crisp meets cinnamon roll meets snickerdoodle cookie, and it’s as incredible as it sounds.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

• Only 6 ingredients!
• Zero prep—just layer and bake
• Warm, spiced, buttery, and gooey
• Feeds a crowd (or makes amazing leftovers)
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinner
• Tastes like you spent hours baking, but takes just minutes to assemble

What Does It Taste Like?

This dump cake is soft, warm, and melt-in-your-mouth good. The apple filling is perfectly spiced and juicy, while the cake layer becomes slightly crisp on the top and gooey underneath. The cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes into a craggly, buttery crust—just like the edge of a snickerdoodle cookie. It’s sweet, tart, spiced, and ridiculously comforting.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Beginner-friendly – anyone can make it
• No mixer or fancy tools required
• Make-ahead friendly
• Versatile: add nuts, caramel, or even swap the fruit
• Just as delicious at room temp as it is warm

Ingredients for Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

• 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix (or white or spice cake mix)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or apple pie spice
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or spoon
• Microwave-safe bowl (to melt butter)
• Optional: parchment or nonstick spray

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Fresh apples: Replace one can of filling with 2–3 peeled, sliced apples for more texture
• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Caramel swirl: Drizzle 1/4 cup caramel sauce over the filling before the cake mix
• Different fruit: Try pears or peaches for a twist
• Cake mix: Use snickerdoodle or spice cake mix if you can find it!

How to Make Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

This comes together in minutes—here’s how:

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Add the apple layer

Spread both cans of apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you want extra cinnamon, sprinkle a little over the apples now.

Step 3: Sprinkle the cake mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the apple filling. Don’t stir!

Step 4: Add the butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.

Step 5: Cinnamon-sugar topping

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the entire cake.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving—it sets as it cools!

Optional: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Chef’s kiss.

What to Serve with Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

• Vanilla bean ice cream (a MUST)
• Whipped cream with a pinch of cinnamon
• Salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence
• Hot apple cider or spiced chai tea on the side
• Maple-glazed bacon for a brunch pairing twist!

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

• Don’t stir the layers—just trust the process
• Try to pour the melted butter as evenly as possible to avoid dry spots
• For a crispier top, bake uncovered the whole time
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so it sets up
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes! Use 4–5 peeled and sliced apples, toss with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then spread in the dish. You may want to add 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the apples.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely—spice cake, white cake, even snickerdoodle cake mix work beautifully.

Do I need to mix the ingredients together?

Nope! That’s the magic of a dump cake. The layers bake together on their own.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and it tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently and serve warm.

Conclusion

If you need a fast, foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is it. Warm apples, buttery cake topping, and that cinnamon-sugar crust? It’s like a shortcut to happiness. And the fact that it takes 10 minutes to throw together? Total win.

Print