Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a rich, buttery crust with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling and warm cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.

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 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 and beat until fluffy.
6. Step 6: Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread 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 warm apple mixture 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: Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
12. Step 12: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweet filling, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for more fruity sweetness.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.
• If you prefer, swap the yellow cake mix for a white or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftover Apple Gooey Butter Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy a warm treat or serve chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh apples since frozen apples can release extra moisture and make the topping soggy. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before cooking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the cake a day before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious, rich dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a smooth cream cheese layer and warm, cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples. This crowd-pleasing treat combines soft textures and sweet-tart flavors, perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.

• Author: Elias
• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Form Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a consistent crust layer.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
6. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
7. Assemble Layers: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly for uniform coverage.
8. Sauté Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the mixture is fragrant.
9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
10. Bake: Bake the assembled cake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when nudged.
11. Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
12. Serve and Store: Serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

• For best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp.
• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Don’t overbake; the center should be slightly jiggly to maintain gooeyness.
• If desired, dust the cooled cake with additional powdered sugar before serving.
• This cake can be served warm or chilled based on preference.

Keywords: Apple Gooey Butter Cake, buttery cake, cream cheese dessert, cinnamon apples, fall dessert recipe, easy cake recipe