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