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Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/apple-gooey-butter-cake-recipe/