Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Introduction
Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent twist on the classic gooey butter cake, featuring tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a rich, comforting dessert with a fruity kick.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Step 5: Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, then beat until fluffy.
- Step 6: Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
- Step 7: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- Step 8: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for about 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 9: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Step 10: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Step 11: Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
- Step 12: Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp to balance the cake’s richness.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple layer before baking.
- If you don’t have cream cheese, try a ricotta or mascarpone substitute for a different flavor.
- Make the apple topping ahead of time and gently reheat before layering to save prep time.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave to enjoy the gooey texture warm, or serve chilled for a firmer consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of box mix?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite homemade yellow cake batter, but keep in mind the texture and moisture may vary slightly compared to the box mix version.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center remains slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up as it cools.
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Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a moist, luscious dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer and caramelized cinnamon-spiced apples. This cake combines the bright tartness of apples with a rich, gooey texture perfect for any occasion, served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 cups apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (pinch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- 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. Stir until a soft dough forms, creating the base layer for the cake.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a uniform crust layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy to serve as the rich topping base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the creamy topping evenly over the crust in the baking pan, smoothing it out for an even layer.
- Cook Apples: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 2 cups diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples have softened slightly and released their juices.
- Add Apple Topping: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan to add a fruity, spiced component.
- Bake: Bake the assembled cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set and golden while the center remains slightly jiggly for that classic gooey texture.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, helping it set fully for cleaner slices.
- Serve and Store: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the topping mixture.
- Don’t overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to keep the gooey texture.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before baking.
- Letting the cake cool completely before slicing ensures clean pieces.
- This cake can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Gooey Butter Cake, apple dessert, cream cheese cake, spiced apples, yellow cake mix dessert
