Apple Gooey Butter Cake With Cinnamon-Spiced Diced Apples Recipe

Introduction

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, featuring tender diced apples cooked with cinnamon and brown sugar. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich creamy flavors that are sure to please any crowd.

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

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.
• Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a tangy contrast, or sweeter apples like Honeycrisp if preferred.
• To add warmth, increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade yellow cake batter, but adjust the consistency to form a dough similar to the boxed mix when combined with butter and egg.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the cake a day before baking and keep it refrigerated. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time if needed.

Apple Gooey Butter Cake With Cinnamon-Spiced Diced Apples Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

Apple Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a buttery yellow cake crust topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese layer, accented by warm cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples. This cake offers a delightful combination of gooey texture and fruity flavor, perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting sweet treat.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust Dough: In a large bowl, combine 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 egg. Mix together until a soft dough forms.
3. Form the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a uniform crust layer.
4. Beat Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened 8 oz cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat again until the mixture is fluffy and light.
6. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar while mixing continuously until fully combined and smooth.
7. Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.
8. Cook Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of salt. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape.
9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer spreading carefully.
10. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The cake edges should be set, but the center may remain slightly jiggly.
11. Cool Down: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before slicing to ensure proper set.
12. Serve and Store: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, covered well to maintain moisture.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in the apple topping.
• Allowing the cake to cool completely before slicing helps in clean cuts and better structure.
• You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving for a decorative touch.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
• For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can add a bit more cinnamon to the apple mixture.

Keywords: Apple Gooey Butter Cake, gooey butter cake, apple dessert, cream cheese cake, cinnamon apple cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe