If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Cozy Fall Flavor is exactly what you need. With a buttery cake base, a creamy apple-filled topping, and a soft, gooey center, this fall-inspired treat is pure comfort in every bite. It’s simple to make, incredibly rich, and perfect for everything from casual weeknight desserts to holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Gooey Butter Cake
This apple gooey butter cake stands out because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Using a boxed cake mix keeps things easy, while fresh apples, warm nutmeg, and caramel notes elevate it into something truly special. The texture is the real star here: set around the edges, irresistibly gooey in the center, and topped with a sweet caramel drizzle that makes every slice unforgettable.
It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade and nostalgic, yet modern enough for Pinterest-worthy presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients with a few cozy upgrades:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Optional add-ins: cinnamon, vanilla extract, or chopped nuts for extra texture.
How to Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and one egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the base layer.
Step 3: Mix the Gooey Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining egg, remaining 1/2 cup melted butter, powdered sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the filling mixture. This ensures the apples are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the apple filling over the cake base and spread evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Extra fall spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice to the filling.
- Fruit swap: Pears work beautifully if apples aren’t available.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Less sweet: Reduce powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a more subtle sweetness.
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this apple gooey butter cake slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for an extra-indulgent dessert. It’s also delicious on its own with a cup of coffee or tea.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore that gooey texture.
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Easy Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Cozy Fall Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Cozy Fall Flavor is a rich, cozy dessert with a buttery cake-mix crust, a creamy apple-studded filling, warm nutmeg, and a sweet caramel drizzle. The edges bake up golden while the center stays perfectly gooey—ideal for fall gatherings, holidays, or an easy weeknight treat.
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted and divided
2 large eggs, divided
8 oz (226 g) showing cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled and diced
Caramel sauce, for drizzling (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment.
2. Make the base: In a large bowl, mix cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining 1 egg, remaining 1/2 cup melted butter, powdered sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until creamy.
4. Fold in diced apples until evenly combined.
5. Spread filling over the crust in an even layer.
6. Bake 40–45 minutes, until edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly (gooey).
7. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve.
Notes
Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture.
Don’t overbake: The center should still wobble a bit when you gently shake the pan—this keeps it gooey.
Add-ins: For extra fall flavor, add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or apple pie spice. For crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Warm slices 15–20 seconds in the microwave to restore gooey texture.
Serving ideas: Great with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 310mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Cozy Fall Flavor is everything a fall dessert should be: rich, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.