Are you craving a dessert that’s both delicious and effortless to prepare? Look no further than the Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake! This delightful treat combines the flavors of sweet apples with the warm, comforting spices of snickerdoodle cookies, resulting in a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dump cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why it’s become a favorite among dessert lovers!
What is a Dump Cake?
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about what a dump cake is. Essentially, a dump cake is a simple dessert made by “dumping” various ingredients into a baking dish and then baking it. It typically involves a fruit filling, a cake mix, and sometimes a butter topping. The result? A gooey, delicious cake that requires minimal effort and is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also features:
- Sweet and Spicy Flavors: The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and sugar gives this dessert its signature snickerdoodle taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra treat.
- Quick Preparation: With just a few ingredients, you can have this dessert in the oven in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of apple pie filling (or about 4 cups of homemade apple filling)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
How to Make Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom. If you’re using homemade apple filling, make sure to spread it out evenly as well.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the apple pie filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the filling completely.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the melted butter. This step adds that classic snickerdoodle flavor to the cake.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be slightly crispy while the center remains soft and gooey.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
Tips for the Best Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
- Use Fresh Apples: If you prefer a homemade filling, use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and keep it in the refrigerator a day ahead for quicker assembly.
Conclusion
The Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is a scrumptious dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its warm, comforting flavors and simple preparation, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dump cake is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and indulge in a slice of this delightful treat today!
Serving and Storage Tips for Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
Once you’ve baked your delicious Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake, it’s essential to know how to serve and store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure you enjoy this delightful dessert at its best!
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm: This dump cake is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. The warm apples and gooey cake create a comforting dessert experience.
- Toppings: Consider enhancing your serving with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delicious contrast to the warm cake.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream provides a light and fluffy texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the top will add extra sweetness and a gourmet touch.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Presentation: Serve the dump cake directly from the baking dish for a casual look, or use a large spoon to scoop out portions onto individual dessert plates for a more formal presentation.
Storage Tips
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the dump cake to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days when properly stored.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the cake longer, you can freeze it:
- Wrap it well: Cut the cake into portions, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the container with the date for easy reference. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If reheating larger portions, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake at its best, whether it’s freshly baked or stored for later indulgence. Happy baking!
1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! You can make your own apple filling using fresh apples. Simply peel and slice about 4 cups of apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Pour the prepared apples into the baking dish before adding the cake mix. This gives you a fresher flavor and allows you to control the sweetness.
2. How do I store leftover dump cake?
To store leftover Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dump cake ahead of time! You can assemble the layers in the baking dish (apples, cake mix, and butter) and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.
4. What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
There are plenty of ways to customize your Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake! You can:
- Add nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Use different fruit: Substitute apples with other fruits like peaches, cherries, or berries for a unique twist.
- Experiment with spices: In addition to cinnamon, you can add nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.
- Try a different cake mix: Use spice cake or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor base.
Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake
This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert that combines the flavors of warm apples and cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodles. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling (20 oz each)
- 1 package snickerdoodle cookie mix (17.9 oz, with included cinnamon-sugar packet)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the snickerdoodle cookie mix with the cinnamon-sugar packet.
- Sprinkle the cookie mix evenly over the apple pie filling.
-
Add Butter and Nuts:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cookie mix.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
-
Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Substitute Fresh Apples: For a homemade touch, use 6 cups of peeled, sliced apples mixed with a tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.