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Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious dessert combining a buttery yellow cake crust with a rich, creamy cream cheese layer topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples. This delightful treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting homemade dessert, featuring a balance of sweetness, tang from cream cheese, and the fresh texture of tender cooked apples.

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. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Make the Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a soft dough forms, providing the base for the cake.
  3. Form the Crust Layer: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a uniform crust layer that will bake into a buttery foundation.
  4. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth to create a creamy texture for the filling.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until the mixture is fluffy and well-integrated, enhancing flavor and lightness.
  6. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
  7. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
  8. Cook the Apple Topping: On the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the flavors meld.
  9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, distributing the sweet and spiced fruit topping.
  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, indicating perfect gooey texture.
  11. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier.
  12. Serve and Store: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Cook apples just until slightly softened to retain some texture without becoming mushy.
  • If the cream cheese layer browns too quickly, tent the cake with foil halfway through baking.
  • Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
  • Reheat slices gently before serving for a warm, gooey experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple gooey butter cake, cream cheese cake, baked apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, buttery cake, soft cake dessert

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