Print

Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

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 (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

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