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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.

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 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

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