Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, featuring tender apples and warm cinnamon spices. This dessert balances a buttery crust with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer topped with soft, caramelized apples. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until fluffy.
6. Step 6: Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully combined and smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for 5–7 minutes until they are slightly softened.
9. Step 9: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
10. Step 10: Bake the cake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
11. Step 11: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
12. Step 12: Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet cream cheese layer.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon on top before serving.
• If you prefer a firmer cake, bake an additional 5 minutes, but be careful not to overbake to keep it gooey.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or serve chilled, depending on your preference.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cake mix?

Yes, a white or spice cake mix can be used, but yellow cake mix provides the best balance of flavor for this recipe.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the cake and refrigerate it before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer and warm, spiced sautéed apples. This cake delivers a perfect balance of gooey texture and fresh apple flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Topping

• 2 cups diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (a pinch)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix together until a soft dough forms.
3. Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the dough mixture into the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat again until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
6. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
7. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan and smooth as needed.
8. Cook Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 2 cups diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt for 5–7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and caramelized.
9. Add Apples to Cake: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
10. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should be set and the center slightly jiggly but cooked through.
11. Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set fully.
12. Serve and Store: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Leftovers can be refrigerated and kept fresh for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
• Be sure to fully soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Do not overbake to keep the center gooey and moist; it should still jiggle slightly when done.
• Greasing the pan well helps in easy removal and cleanup.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
• Refrigerate leftovers and serve chilled or warm again.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple gooey butter cake, cream cheese cake, apple dessert, spiced apple cake, yellow cake mix dessert