Dessert

Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

ByAndria Russo February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious dessert that combines a buttery cake base with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer and tender cinnamon-spiced apples. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting end to any meal.

A square piece of golden brown cake with a coarse texture sits at the bottom layer on a white plate with a slight pink hue. Over the cake are several slices of soft, glistening caramelized apples covered in warm, rich brown sauce that drips down the sides. On top of the apples, a smooth, round scoop of creamy white ice cream is melting slowly, creating a small white stream down the cake. The setting includes a silver fork tucked into the lower right corner and a pink textured glass filled with a drink to the left, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white bowl holds more caramelized apples. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Step 5: Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat again until fluffy.
Step 6: Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
Step 7: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
Step 8: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 9: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 10: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Step 11: Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Step 12: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for added texture.
For extra gooeyness, slightly underbake the cake and let it set as it cools.
Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor in the apple topping.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy chilled. The flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge.

How to Serve

A single slice of golden-brown cake with a rough texture sits on a white plate, topped by a scoop of smooth, creamy white ice cream. On and around the cake, there are soft caramel-colored sauce and peach slices. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white bowl with more peach slices and sauce, and a textured pink glass tumbler is partially visible on the left. A silver fork lies near the plate on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use yellow, vanilla, or even butter cake mix. Avoid mixes with pudding included, as the texture may change.

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.