Apple Gooey Butter Cake: A Sweet Staple You Need to Try

Let me tell you about Apple Gooey Butter Cake; it’s a delightful dessert that’s taken a spot on my favorites list! This cake combines rich flavor and an irresistible gooey texture that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Every time I make it, I feel like I’m giving my taste buds a big hug. Seriously, if you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s easy to whip up and will shine at any gathering, stay with me because I’ll guide you through this delicious adventure.

What Is Apple Gooey Butter Cake?

So, you’re probably wondering what makes this cake so special. Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious dessert that blends a buttery cake base with a creamy, gooey filling. It’s like a cozy hug in cake form! Traditionally, gooey butter cakes hail from St. Louis, but this version packs in apple goodness, making it a perfect autumn treat or a delightful year-round dessert. The result is a soft, sweet delight that’s sure to please anyone at the table.

Ingredients Overview for Apple Gooey Butter Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we get started on making your new favorite dessert:

Cake Mix: A classic yellow cake mix works perfectly. You could also use a gluten-free mix if you prefer!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of the flavor. This adds richness to the cake.
Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs to bind everything together nicely.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese creates that creamy, gooey texture.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar gives sweetness without the grittiness of granulated sugar.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples add flavor and moisture. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my go-to choices for a nice balance of tart and sweet.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds an extra depth of flavor.

How To Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions that will lead you to cake greatness!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for getting an even bake!
Prepare Your Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
Mix the Cake Base: In a bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until smooth, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the remaining eggs, powdered sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract. Mix until you have a creamy batter.
Combine and Layer: Spread the apple chunks evenly over the cake base, then pour the cream cheese filling over the top, making sure to cover everything nicely.
Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. It should be golden on top but still a bit jiggle in the center—that’s what gives it that gooey texture!
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cake cool for a bit before slicing. Trust me, it tastes even better after it’s cooled down a little.

Serving Suggestions

Now, how do you serve this heavenly Apple Gooey Butter Cake? I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the gooey texture of the cake beautifully. You could also dust it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or top it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat. For a brunch gathering, it pairs wonderfully with coffee or chai tea.

Tips For The Perfect Apple Gooey Butter Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything mix together more evenly.
Select Fresh Apples: Ripe apples not only taste better but also add moisture to your cake.
Don’t Overmix: Especially with the filling, overmixing can change the texture.
Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, but if it’s still a bit gooey in the middle, that’s okay!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for snacking!

Q&A Section

1. Can I use another fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or even peaches can work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep the quantity the same!

2. Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and warm it up before serving.

3. Can I freeze my leftover cake?
Definitely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge and warm before enjoying.

4. What should I pair this cake with?
I recommend coffee, hot cider, or your favorite tea. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed anytime!

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll adore Apple Gooey Butter Cake for its incredible sweetness and texture. With that rich cream cheese filling balanced with juicy apple bites, it’s like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making it to share or as a special treat for yourself, this recipe is easy and satisfying. Best part? You get to impress friends and family with minimal effort!

Behind The Scenes

When I was developing this Apple Gooey Butter Cake, I was a bit nervous about getting the texture just right. My first attempt was a bit too dry, which was disappointing. After adjusting the ingredients and paying close attention to baking times, I finally hit the sweet spot! Now, I can confidently say that it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that I just love to share. Oh, and I’ve been pinning all my yummy creations on my Pinterest page if you want more dessert inspirations!

And there you have it! A beloved recipe that combines simplicity with deliciousness. I’m so excited for you to try out this Apple Gooey Butter Cake and enjoy it as much as I do!

Apple Gooey Butter Cake

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Author: melissa
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dessert that combines a rich buttery cake base with a creamy, gooey filling and fresh apples, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
8 oz full-fat cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups fresh diced apples
1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until smooth, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining egg, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
Spread the apple chunks evenly over the cake base, then pour the cream cheese filling over the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden on top with a slight jiggle in the center.
Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 360
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg