Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar from snickerdoodle cookies. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, where everyone was raving about how easy it was to prepare and how quickly it vanished from the table. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Apple Layer
- 6 cups peeled, thinly sliced tart apples (about 6–8 medium; Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Cake Layer
- 1 package snickerdoodle cookie mix (17.9 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted optional)
- 1 scoop vanilla or cinnamon ice cream (for serving)
- To taste extra cinnamon-sugar (optional for finishing sprinkle)
👩🍳 Method
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 11×7-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice until they are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cookie Mix: In a separate bowl, pour the snickerdoodle cookie mix and spread it evenly over the apple layer. Do not stir.
- Add Butter & Nuts: Drizzle the melted butter over the cookie mix, ensuring to cover it evenly. If using nuts, scatter them on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving with a generous scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top.
💡 Notes
- To store, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Reheat slices in the microwave or oven.