Name: Apple Gooey Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crust:; 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; For the filling:; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 cups apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or similar), peeled and diced

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a unique spin on gooey butter cake, adding juicy apples and warm spices to make it extra special. You’ll love the contrasting layers: a buttery crust, creamy filling, and gooey apple-studded center. It’s simple to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

Yellow cake mix
Unsalted butter, melted
Egg

For the filling:

Cream cheese (softened)
Eggs
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or similar), peeled and diced

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
Cool completely before slicing. The cake will firm up as it cools.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–15 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Swap cinnamon for apple pie spice for extra warmth.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake before serving.
Use spice cake mix instead of yellow for a deeper flavor.
Stir in raisins or dried cranberries with the apples.

Storage/Reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze the cake (cut into slices) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What makes gooey butter cake different from regular cake?

It has a dense, buttery crust and a rich, custard-like filling instead of a light, fluffy texture.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, spice or white cake mix works well too.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave skins on for a rustic look.

What apples are best for this cake?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape while baking.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, cut back slightly on powdered sugar or balance with tart apples.

How do I know when it’s done?

The edges should be set, but the center should jiggle slightly when shaken—it will firm up as it cools.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dessert since it needs time to cool and set.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, store in the fridge.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes, but it will be softer and messier. It’s best cooled, but warm slices with ice cream are delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in two pans for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Apple gooey butter cake is a decadent dessert that blends the sweetness of gooey butter filling with the cozy flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, it’s a rich and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warm with ice cream for an unforgettable indulgence.