Do you think of apples as a fall or autumn food? Maybe you see it as something only good for school lunches or an after-school snack. But, there are so many ways to enjoy apples all year round. Did you know that there are over 7,500 varieties of apples?
Yes! There are red ones, green ones, tart ones and sweet ones. You can even find them in different shapes and sizes. There is a reason this simple dessert is often chosen for family gatherings and potluck dinners. A warm apple cobbler with its golden topping melting over slices of soft and tender apples is impossible to resist. And who could resist adding a delicious scoop of ice cream on top?
This Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for family gatherings or potluck dinners with friends – it’s easy to make and everyone will love it!
What is a Snickerdoodle?
A snickerdoodle is a classic cookie with a soft, chewy texture and a sweet cinnamon flavor. The name is thought to come from the sound that the sugar will make when it is baked. The word “snicker” is a common term for laughter, and “doodle” is an old word for “drawing” or “lines”. This name is fitting because the cinnamon in the cookie will draw out a snicker from your belly as you eat it!
There are a few different ways to make a snickerdoodle. The most popular ways are with a simple recipe that uses baking soda instead of baking powder, or a more complicated recipe that uses vanilla and cream of tartar. One of the main differences between the two is that the simple recipe requires an extra step – rolling the dough in cinnamon and sugar.
Tips for making the perfect apple dump cake
- Use the right apples – You can use almost any apples for this dessert, but don’t use the really sweet apples, or the cake will be too sweet. You want to use a tart apple for the base of this dessert. The perfect apple for baking is the Granny Smith apple. It’s tart and holds together well when it’s baked.
- Use the right pan – You can use an 8-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan. Make sure the pan is at least 2 inches deep so the apples don’t burn on the bottom.
- Use the right baking time – This recipe works great for people who are baking for the first time. The baking time is very forgiving. If your apples are a bit smaller, they will take less time to bake. If your apples are larger, they will take a bit longer to bake.
- Cool your apple dump cake before slicing – Let your apple dump cake cool for about an hour before slicing and serving. This will ensure the apples stay intact and don’t fall apart when you slice the cake.
A note about ingredients
- Flour – You want flour that is not too finely ground. You don’t want it to be like powder; you want it to be a bit coarser so it can hold the apples together. All-purpose flour is a great choice for this recipe.
- Cinnamon – It’s best to go with good quality cinnamon. It’s a spice that can get lost in a recipe if it’s not the best quality. You want to use cinnamon that is bold and not too spicy.
- Brown Sugar – You want to use light brown sugar for this recipe. Dark brown sugar will make the cake too sweet.
- Vanilla – You want a pure vanilla extract that has no added flavor. The best vanilla will be labeled as “pure vanilla extract” as opposed to “vanilla flavor”.
- Salt – It’s best to use fine-grain salt in this recipe. You don’t want to use coarse salt as it will be too salty.
The best apples for baking
- Apples are perfect for baking. They are seasonal, inexpensive, and easy to find. You can find them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. When you’re choosing apples, you want to make sure they aren’t bruised or too soft. You want them firm.
- They are also easy to store. You can store your apples in a dark, cool place like a pantry. Make sure they are not in a place like a fridge as they will freeze in there.
- If you want to speed up the ripening process, put them in a paper bag with a banana.
- If you want to slow down the ripening process, put them in a paper bag with an apple.
- You can use almost any apple for baking, but it’s best to go with a tart apple like the Granny Smith apple.
How to make an apple dump cake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a 9-inch pan or an 8-inch pan that is at least 2 inches deep. Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined. Add vanilla and apples and stir until apples are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 1 hour before slicing and serving. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Variations and suggestions for this recipe
This recipe is great as is, but you can also add a few other ingredients to make it even tastier. Here are some suggestions.
- Try adding pecans or walnuts to the mix.
- Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the mix to give it a maple flavor.
- Add raisins or dried blueberries to the mix.
- You can use a different kind of apples in the mix if you wish.
- Some apples, like Granny Smith, are tart, which gives the cake a different flavor.
Conclusion
The apple is an interesting fruit. It’s one of the only fruits that ripen better after they’ve been picked from the tree. The best apples for baking are tart apples like the Granny Smith. This recipe is simple and delicious, using a classic combination of apples, cinnamon, and sugar. This apple dump cake will be a hit at any family gathering or potluck dinner.
