Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is a warm, cozy dessert made with tender apples, cinnamon sugar, buttery cake mix, and a sweet cinnamon glaze. It has the soft fruitiness of apple cake, the cinnamon flavor of snickerdoodle cookies, and the easy layered method of a dump cake. It is perfect for family desserts, gatherings, or a simple weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare because the ingredients are layered directly in the baking dish with no complicated mixing. The apples bake until soft and juicy, while the cake mix forms a golden, buttery topping.
You’ll also love the cinnamon glaze, which adds a sweet finish and makes the cake taste bakery-style. It is comforting, simple, and delicious served warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake base:
1 box yellow cake mix, 15.25 ounces
2 cups peeled and chopped apples
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the peeled and chopped apples evenly across the bottom of the dish.
In a medium bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until evenly combined and free of large lumps.
Sprinkle the dry cake mixture evenly over the apples. Do not stir the layers together. Gently level the top with the back of a spoon.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dry mixture, covering as much surface as possible. Drizzle the water and vanilla extract over the top. Do not mix.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 40 to 45 minutes
Cooling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter cake. You can add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. For extra spice, add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the cake mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. To reheat a larger amount, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned apples?
Yes, canned apple filling can be used, but the cake will be sweeter and softer.
Do I need to mix the layers?
No. Dump cakes work best when the layers stay separate before baking.
What apples work best?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Bake it ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat before serving.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds extra cinnamon sweetness and a finished look.
Why is there dry cake mix on top?
Some dry spots can happen if butter does not cover the surface. Drizzle slowly and evenly.
Can I use spice cake mix?
Yes, spice cake mix gives the dessert a deeper cinnamon flavor.
Should this cake be served warm?
It tastes best warm, but it can also be served at room temperature.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Can I add more apples?
Yes, you can add up to 3 cups of apples for a fruitier dessert.
Conclusion
Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert with soft apples, cinnamon sugar flavor, a buttery golden topping, and a sweet glaze. It is simple enough for busy days but special enough to serve for guests.
