When fall rolls around, apple desserts take center stage. Apple pie may get all the glory, but dump cakes are the unsung heroes of cozy baking. They’re quick, low-effort, and irresistibly delicious. This apple snickerdoodle dump cake combines the warmth of cinnamon-sugar cookies with the tart sweetness of baked apples. The result is part cobbler, part cake, part crisp—and completely irresistible.
This recipe makes a fantastic holiday dessert, but it’s simple enough to throw together for a weeknight treat. With just a handful of ingredients, it transforms into a bubbling, golden dish that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
• 6 cups peeled, thinly sliced tart apples (about 6–8 medium; Granny Smith recommended)
• ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (for brightness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for balance and to prevent browning)
• 1 (17.9 oz) package snickerdoodle cookie mix (with cinnamon-sugar packet)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)
• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, for serving
• Extra cinnamon-sugar, optional for finishing
Instructions
Prep & Preheat
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Layer the Apples
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice until coated. Spread evenly in the prepared dish.
Add the Cookie Crumble
Pour the cookie mix, including the cinnamon-sugar packet, into a bowl. Stir lightly, then sprinkle evenly over the apples. Do not stir into the fruit.
Drizzle & Top
Pour melted butter evenly over the dry topping. Scatter nuts on top if using.
Bake Until Golden
Bake 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling. Apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve Warm & Cozy
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with ice cream. Add a dusting of cinnamon-sugar for extra flair.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
• No mixing bowls full of batter—just layer, sprinkle, drizzle, and bake.
• Combines the classic flavors of apples, cinnamon, and butter.
• Texture is a perfect mix of gooey apple filling and crisp cookie topping.
• Easily doubled for larger gatherings.
• Family-friendly, but special enough for holidays.
Variations
• Caramel Apple Twist: Drizzle ¼ cup caramel sauce over apples before adding topping.
• Cran-Apple: Add 1 cup fresh cranberries for extra tartness.
• Maple Nut: Replace half the butter with ¼ cup maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free snickerdoodle cookie mix.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom to the apple mixture.
Storage Tips
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm and crisp again.
• Freeze baked dump cake in portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Serving Ideas
• Classic: Warm with vanilla ice cream melting into the topping.
• Decadent: Add whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Breakfast Twist: Serve cold with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Holiday Spread: Pair with pumpkin pie or pecan tart for a dessert table.
Troubleshooting
• Dry topping? Make sure butter is drizzled evenly across the surface.
• Apples too firm? Slice thinner or bake an extra 5–10 minutes.
• Too sweet? Use fewer apples with less sugar or swap in Honeycrisp instead of Granny Smith.
• Runny filling? Let the dessert cool at least 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to thicken.
Final Thoughts
Apple snickerdoodle dump cake is proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to taste incredible. It’s warm, comforting, and hits all the nostalgic notes of fall baking. With tart apples, buttery cookie crumble, and a hint of cinnamon-sugar, it feels like a shortcut apple crisp crossed with a cobbler.
Whether you make it for Thanksgiving, a weekend dinner, or just because you have apples on hand, this dessert will fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of fall and your table with smiling faces.