Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a rich, buttery crust with a creamy cream cheese layer and tender spiced apples on top. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy fall evenings, offering a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

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, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, then beat until the mixture is fluffy.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
7. Step 7: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
8. Step 8: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for about 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
9. Step 9: Spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
10. Step 10: Bake 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. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the apple mixture.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Storage

Store the Apple Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it chilled. This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can try using white or spice cake mix for a variation in flavor, but yellow cake mix works best to complement the apple and cream cheese layers.

Is it necessary to cook the apples before adding them?

Cooking the apples softens them and blends the spices and sugar for a richer flavor, but you can use raw diced apples for a firmer texture if you prefer.

Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 144 reviews

A rich and decadent Apple Gooey Butter Cake combining a buttery yellow cake crust with a creamy cream cheese layer topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced cooked apples. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a comforting treat for fall or anytime cravings.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

Instructions

1. Preheat 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 Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring even consistency.
3. Form Crust Layer: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a uniform crust base.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: To the cream cheese, add two eggs and vanilla extract, then beat the mixture again until it becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well to fully combine into a smooth and creamy filling.
7. Layer Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crust and spread gently for an even layer.
8. Cook Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the sugar has dissolved forming a syrupy glaze.
9. Top with Apples: Spoon the warm cooked 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 until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly to the touch.
11. Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing.
12. Serve and Store: Serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
• Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for gooey texture.
• Allow cake to cool completely for clean slices.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated and can be gently warmed before serving.

Keywords: Apple Gooey Butter Cake, apple dessert, cream cheese cake, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cake, gooey cake recipe