Apple Gooey Butter Cake has been my absolute favorite autumn treat ever since I first tasted a slice at a local fall festival. The aroma of warm spices and caramelized apples filled the air, and I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. This homemade apple gooey butter cake is a showstopper, featuring a tender brown butter spice cake base, a luscious layer of spiced caramelized apples, and a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese topping, all drizzled with a silky salted caramel sauce. It’s a truly over-the-top dessert that perfectly captures the essence of apple season. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Gooey Butter Cake
This isn’t just any cake; it’s an experience! Get ready to fall in love with this dessert for so many reasons:
- Incredible Texture: A tender cake, gooey cream cheese layer, and soft spiced apples create pure bliss.
- Warm Autumn Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel perfectly capture the essence of fall.
- Visually Stunning: It’s a showstopper that will impress any guest.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive look, this easy apple gooey butter cake recipe is surprisingly manageable.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone adores a good apple dessert, and this one takes it to the next level.
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of spice cake, fruit, and gooey topping is just right.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own or with a scoop of ice cream.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: This gooey butter cake with apples is pure cozy indulgence.
Ingredients for Your Homemade Apple Gooey Butter Cake
Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward baking the most incredible apple gooey butter cake recipe. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. I always make sure my dairy and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture:
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter – for browning and nutty flavor
- 2 cups (268g) apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces – about 2 apples, for that perfect spiced apple filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground allspice – the warm spice trio for the apples
- 2 tbsp (28g) brown sugar – to sweeten and caramelize the apples
- 8oz (226g) cream cheese, at room temperature – the heart of the gooey cream cheese layer
- 1 egg, at room temperature – binds the cream cheese layer
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature – adds richness to the gooey layer
- 2 1/2 cups (325g) powdered sugar – for the signature sweetness of the gooey layer
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (141g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled – the base for our cake
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground allspice – for the spiced cake batter
- 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt – leavening and flavor balance
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated white sugar – for sweetening the cake batter
- 1 egg, at room temperature – structure for the cake
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature – for a tender crumb
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- 1/2 cup (120mL) buttermilk, at room temperature – adds moisture and tenderness
- 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar – for the luscious caramel sauce
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, at room temperature – for the rich caramel
- 1/2 cup (120mL) heavy cream, at room temperature – creates a silky smooth caramel
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp sea salt – to balance the sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla – for extra caramel flavor
How to Make the Best Apple Gooey Butter Cake
Get ready to bake the most incredible cake! This recipe breaks down how to make a truly memorable apple gooey butter cake. Follow these steps for a dessert that’s packed with flavor and has the perfect texture.
Step 1: Making the Brown Butter
Start by melting your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch as it simmers and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Once it smells amazing, transfer it to a bowl and chill in the fridge until it’s solid but still soft, like room temperature butter.
Step 2: Preparing the Spiced Apples
In a skillet, combine your diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. You want the apples to be tender and coated in a thick, syrupy glaze. Let them cool completely while you work on the rest of your gooey butter cake with apples.
Step 3: Creating the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with the egg and egg yolk until everything is super smooth. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the layer might become too runny.
Step 4: Preparing the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper. Whisk together your flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the cooled brown butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry, mixing on low until just smooth.
Step 5: Assembling & Baking the Cake
Spread half of the cake batter evenly in your prepared pan. Sprinkle the cooled spiced apples over this layer. Top with the remaining cake batter, smoothing it out. Carefully pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is still a bit shiny and jiggly, and the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool in the pan for 45 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Step 6: Preparing the Salted Caramel Sauce
While the cake chills, make the caramel. Melt granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it turns a beautiful amber color, about 20 minutes. Carefully stir in the butter, then the heavy cream until smooth. Add sea salt and vanilla, then simmer for 3-4 minutes. Let it cool completely before drizzling. For more information on making caramel, you can check out this guide.
Step 7: Final Assembly & Serving
Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cake to a serving plate. Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce generously over the top. For the best flavor and texture, let your baked apple gooey butter cake come to room temperature for about an hour before slicing and serving. You can find more recipes on our site.
Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Apple Gooey Butter Cake
Achieving that perfect texture and flavor in your apple dessert gooey butter cake is all about a few key techniques. I’ve learned these tricks through trial and error, and they make all the difference!
- Don’t rush the brown butter process; the nutty depth it adds is crucial.
- Ensure all your dairy and eggs are truly at room temperature for the smoothest batter and gooey layer.
- Resist the urge to overbake; a slight jiggle in the center is exactly what you want before chilling.
- Letting the cake chill completely is non-negotiable for that signature gooey texture.
What’s the secret to a perfect gooey butter cake apple filling?
The magic in the gooey butter cake apple filling comes from cooking the apples just until tender with a touch of brown sugar. This creates a syrupy glaze that infuses the cake with warm apple flavor without making it soggy. For tips on apple selection, consider resources like the USDA.
Can I make this apple gooey butter cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire baked apple gooey butter cake up to 24 hours in advance. Bake it, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature for about an hour before serving for the best texture and flavor. For more information on food safety and storage, consult guidelines.
How do I avoid common mistakes with apple gooey butter cake?
A common pitfall is overmixing the cream cheese layer, which can make it too thin. Also, ensure your brown butter is cooled properly before creaming with sugar. Finally, don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for the gooey texture.
Best Ways to Serve Your Apple Gooey Butter Cake
This show-stopping apple dessert gooey butter cake is fantastic on its own, but I love dressing it up a bit! For a truly decadent experience, serve a warm slice of this apple cake gooey butter style with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is divine. Another favorite way to enjoy it is with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a touch of cinnamon. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce over the top of each slice really elevates the presentation and flavor. It’s perfect for any autumn gathering!
Nutrition Facts for Apple Gooey Butter Cake
This decadent apple gooey butter cake is a rich treat, and while exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation, here’s an estimate per serving. Knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy this apple dessert gooey butter cake mindfully. For more detailed nutritional information, you can refer to nutrition databases.
- Calories: Approximately 450-550
- Fat: 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 60-75g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Sugar: 45-60g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Gooey Butter Cake
One of the best things about this apple gooey butter cake is that it stores beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead baking. After your delicious baked apple gooey butter cake has completely cooled, store it properly to maintain its wonderful texture. For short-term storage, place the cake in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is a great way to have a slice of this apple dessert gooey butter cake ready whenever a craving strikes.
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Ensure the cake is fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Your homemade apple gooey butter cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. For information on freezing and thawing baked goods, consult food safety resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Gooey Butter Cake
What makes this apple gooey butter cake so moist?
The combination of brown butter in the cake batter, buttermilk, and the rich, gooey cream cheese layer contributes significantly to the incredible moistness of this apple gooey butter cake. The spiced apples also release their own juices as they bake, further enhancing the cake’s tenderness.
Can I use different types of apples for this gooey butter cake with apples?
Absolutely! While I love using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a good balance, you can experiment with others. Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn work well too. Just ensure they are peeled and diced into uniform pieces for even cooking in your homemade apple gooey butter cake.
How do I know when my apple gooey butter cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and set, while the center still has a slight jiggle. It should look shiny and mostly set, not completely liquid. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for that signature gooey texture in your best apple gooey butter cake.
Can I make the components of this apple gooey butter cake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The spiced apples can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. The salted caramel sauce can also be made ahead and reheated gently. This makes assembling your easy apple gooey butter cake recipe much quicker when you’re ready to bake.
Variations of Apple Gooey Butter Cake You Can Try
While this classic apple gooey butter cake recipe is absolutely divine as is, I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to specific needs, here are a few fun variations of this apple dessert gooey butter cake:
- Gluten-Free Apple Gooey Butter Cake: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but the structure of the cake and gooey layer holds up wonderfully.
- Dairy-Free Gooey Butter Cake with Apples: Use a plant-based butter substitute for the brown butter and caramel, dairy-free cream cheese for the gooey layer, and almond or oat milk for the buttermilk. It’s still incredibly delicious!
- Spiced Apple Crumble Gooey Butter Cake: After adding the spiced apples, top them with a simple crumble made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter before adding the cake batter. This adds a lovely crunchy texture to your apple crumble gooey butter cake.
- Rustic Apple Cake Gooey Butter Style: For a more free-form approach, bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan and skip the springform. The caramel can then be drizzled over the entire top of the cooled cake for a more casual presentation of your rustic apple gooey butter cake.
Apple Gooey Butter Cake: Amazing Fall Treat
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This show-stopping apple gooey butter cake is a soft and moist brown-butter spice cake layered with spiced caramelized apples, a gooey cream cheese topping, and a silky salted caramel sauce. It’s packed full of warm autumn apple flavor and melt-in-your-mouth caramel with a wonderfully decadent texture from the gooey cream cheese layer. This over-the-top cake is the perfect thing to bake for apple season!
Ingredients
- For the Brown Butter: 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter
- For the Spiced Apples: 2 cups (268g) apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 apples), 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground allspice, 2 tbsp (28g) brown sugar
- For the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer: 8oz (226g) cream cheese, at room temperature, 1 egg, at room temperature, 1 egg yolk, at room temperature, 2 1/2 cups (325g) powdered sugar
- For the Brown Butter Spice Cake: 1 cup + 2 tbsp (141g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground allspice, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, Brown butter (from above), 3/4 cup (150g) granulated white sugar, 1 egg, at room temperature, 1 egg yolk, at room temperature, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup (120mL) buttermilk, at room temperature
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce: 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar, 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, 1/2 cup (120mL) heavy cream, at room temperature, 1/4 – 1/2 tsp sea salt (depending on your preference), 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Make the Brown Butter: Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt, come to a simmer, then continue simmering until the butter turns foamy and gives off a nutty aroma and is lightly browned – about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer the brown butter to a large bowl. Cool it in the fridge until it’s solid but still pliable – like softened butter.
- Prepare the Spiced Apples: Add the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and brown sugar into a medium skillet/pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the apples are slightly tender and the juices in the pan have thickened into a syrupy coating. Remove from heat and allow the apples to cool while you prepare the other components for your apple gooey butter cake.
- Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature cream cheese, egg and egg yolk. Mix on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Sift in half of the powdered sugar and mix on low then medium speed until combined. Add the rest of the powdered sugar and mix until just combined – avoid over-mixing so the mixture doesn’t become too runny. Set aside this gooey cream cheese layer.
- Make the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. With the cooled brown butter, use an electric mixer on high speed to whip it until pale and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes). Add the granulated white sugar to the whipped butter and cream together on high speed until pale and fluffy (about another 1-2 minutes). Add the egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-high speed until smooth and pale in appearance (about 1-2 minutes). Scrape down the sides as needed. Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients – start and end with the dry ingredients – mixing on low speed until just combined and smooth for your apple cake.
- Assemble & Bake the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth it out with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the cooled spiced apples evenly over the layer of batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the apples and smooth the top. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is shiny and still has a slight jiggle, with the edges being lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, transfer the cake (still in the pan) to the refrigerator and chill for 2 hours so the cream cheese layer has time to set.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the cake is chilling, prepare the caramel: In a large saucepan, add the granulated white sugar over medium-low heat. Allow it to melt – it will first crystallize then gradually melt into an amber golden liquid (this can take ~20 minutes). Reduce heat to low if melting too quickly to avoid burning. Once melted and mostly smooth (with a few small crystals remaining), add the butter and stir quickly to incorporate. Add the heavy cream and stir until everything is fully combined (if mixture separates, increase heat slightly and stir vigorously to combine). Add the sea salt (1/4–1/2 tsp depending on taste) and vanilla. Stir to combine. Let the caramel simmer on low for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the caramel sauce to cool completely before using.
- Final Assembly & Serving: Once the cake has chilled and set, carefully loosen the sides of the springform pan with a butter knife, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Pour the cooled salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. The apple gooey butter cake is best served at room temperature – if you prepared it ahead of time and it has been refrigerated, remove it about an hour before serving. Slice into 8 generous slices and serve your homemade apple gooey butter cake.
Notes
- The cake is best served at room temperature. If refrigerated, take it out about an hour before serving.
- For best results, ensure cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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