Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring a soft yellow cake crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and a warm, spiced apple topping. This treat combines comforting flavors with a gooey texture that makes it perfect for any occasion.

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, then beat again 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 it evenly.
8. Step 8: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly softened.
9. Step 9: Spoon the cooked apple mixture over the cream cheese layer.
10. Step 10: Bake for 40 to 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. Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure easy mixing and a smooth filling.
• Do not overbake to keep the center delightfully gooey.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the cake or serve with vanilla ice cream.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices briefly in the microwave to enjoy the gooey texture again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute with any firm apple variety such as Fuji or Gala, but tart apples like Granny Smith or the sweet-tart balance of Honeycrisp work best.

Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese first?

Softening the cream cheese is important as it ensures a smooth texture for the filling and helps it blend well with the other ingredients.

Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust layered with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple topping. Perfectly gooey and rich, it combines the comforting flavors of autumn apples with a luscious buttery base, baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• 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 (a pinch)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir until a soft dough forms, which will serve as the base.
3. Form the Crust Layer: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer.
4. Prep Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth to ensure a creamy texture.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese, then beat again until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
6. Sweeten Cream Cheese Layer: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing continuously until smooth and fully incorporated.
7. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan, smoothing the top for an even layer.
8. Cook Apple Topping: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook 2 cups diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the mixture becomes fragrant.
9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, distributing it well across the surface.
10. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set and golden, and the center remains slightly jiggly to keep the gooey texture.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean cuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.
12. Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps and allow easy mixing.
• Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey center texture that defines this cake.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce on top or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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