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Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious dessert combining a buttery yellow cake crust with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer, topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples. This cake offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.

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

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 Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring even blending of all ingredients.
  3. Press Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a uniform layer to serve as the cake crust.
  4. Beat Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, removing any lumps for a silky texture.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.
  6. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly to achieve a smooth, sweet filling.
  7. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the pan and spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
  8. Sauté Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for about 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the sugar dissolves into a glaze.
  9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the sautéed apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, distributing the fruit to cover the surface uniformly.
  10. Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly, indicating gooeyness.
  11. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly before slicing.
  12. Serve and Store: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and tartness.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
  • Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to maintain the gooey texture.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Leftover cake can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Apple Gooey Butter Cake, apple dessert, cream cheese cake, autumn dessert, cinnamon apples, buttery cake

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