Name: Irresistible Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe | Learn How to Make This Slice of Delight In the Comforts of Your Home (Has Secret Recipe Notes, Epic Tips and Tricks)
Prep time: 15M
Cook time: 45M
Total time: 60M
Yield: 9–10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 eggs; 3½ cups of powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon of nutmeg; 15oz of reduced, unsweetened applesauce (begin with 25 ounces of unsweetened applesauce, which should be simmered on medium heat in a pot or pan for approximately 20 minutes until it reaches a thickened consistency(refer to the recipe notes for more details); 8oz of full-fat cream cheese (room temperature); 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; 8 tablespoons of melted butter (salted or unsalted ); 1½ teaspoons of cinnamon (you can use ceylon cinnamon); For the Toppings, optional (caramel, whipped cream slivered almonds); For the Crust (8 tablespoons of melted butter (unsalted or salted), 1 egg, 1 box of mixed spice cake)

Welcome to our delectable recipe article where we dive into the world of Apple Gooey Butter Cake. This mouthwatering dessert combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of apples, and a gooey texture that will leave you wanting more.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating this heavenly treat, along with nutritional information, cooking tips, and additional insights to help you make the most out of this recipe.

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Apple Gooey Butter Cake experience!

Unveiling the Deliciousness of Apple Gooey Butter Cake

The Apple Gooey Butter Cake stands as a unique dessert, boasting a delightful combination of richness, creaminess, and an irresistible, indulgent flavor. This delectable treat is specifically crafted to capture the essence of autumn and makes a splendid addition to Thanksgiving festivities. With its straightforward preparation method and consistent ability to please a gathering, it has become a go-to dessert recipe for many.

This dessert is an absolute delight, indulgent, tempting, and incredibly satisfying. Resisting the urge to have just one piece is a real challenge! If you haven't experienced the wonder of Gooey Butter Cake yet, you're truly missing out.

During the fall season, pumpkin takes the spotlight as a favored flavor for this delectable treat. Today, I present to you an apple variation that serves as a perfect way to embrace the arrival of autumn.

Picture a spiced cake or crust foundation with a luscious layer of gooey, sweet, creamy apple filling. It's a combination that's hard to resist. The filling resembles a baked custard but with a distinct character. It doesn't set as firmly, and it lacks the dense texture of a cheesecake or pumpkin pie.

It possesses custard-like qualities but with an extra touch of gooeyness. The filling is prepared using a combination of cream cheese, melted butter, reduced or thickened applesauce, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and a selection of spices.

Its unique composition contributes to its irresistible appeal. The filling is generously poured over a semi-homemade crust, and if you guessed that it incorporates a box of cake mix, you're absolutely right!

Nutritional Information of Apple Gooey Butter Cake Per One Serving

Calories: 610
Total Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 81g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 46g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 268mg

The Recipe for Apple Gooey Butter Cake

Prep Time: 15mins
Cook Time: 45mins
Total Time: 60mins
Yield: 9-10 servings

Equipments & Kitchen Utensils Used: Tablespoon & teaspoon, oven, 9x13 baking pan, large & medium-sized mixing bowl, electric hand mixer, timer, wire rack, and fridge.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

3 eggs
3½ cups of powdered sugar
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
15oz of reduced, unsweetened applesauce (begin with 25 ounces of unsweetened applesauce, which should be simmered on medium heat in a pot or pan for approximately 20 minutes until it reaches a thickened consistency(refer to the recipe notes for more details).
8oz of full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
8 tablespoons of melted butter (salted or unsalted )
1½ teaspoons of cinnamon (you can use ceylon cinnamon)

For the Toppings (optional):

Caramel
Whipped cream
Slivered Almonds

For the Crust:

8 tablespoons of melted butter (unsalted or salted)
1 egg
1 box of mixed spice cake

An Irresistible Apple Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gently grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking pan using either butter or cooking spray.
Commence by preparing the crust. Take a large bowl and combine the egg and butter, followed by incorporating the cake mix using an electric hand mixer. It is advisable to start with a low speed and then switch to a medium speed until the ingredients are well blended.
Evenly spread the cake mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Set it aside for now.
Proceed to make the filling. In another sizable bowl, beat together the cream cheese and reduced applesauce. Remember to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure proper mixing.
Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter to the cream cheese and applesauce mixture, and continue mixing until thoroughly combined. Once again, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
Finally, introduce the powdered sugar and spices to the mixture. Use low speed on the mixer to blend them in completely. Don't forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure a well-mixed filling.
Carefully pour the prepared filling over the unbaked crust in the pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is just set. Aim for a slight jiggle in the center, being cautious not to overbake as it may compromise the cake's signature gooey texture.
Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely.
Store the cake in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Remove it from the fridge approximately one hour before serving to allow it to reach room temperature. For an added touch, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and slivered almonds (optional toppings!).
For optimal taste and texture, it is recommended to consume the cake within 3 to 4 days.

Recipe Notes

While making the reduced applesauce:

In a pot or skillet, carefully pour 25 ounces of unsweetened applesauce.
Heat the applesauce over medium heat until it reduces and thickens, which typically takes around 25 minutes. During this process, the excess water should evaporate, and the applesauce should develop a soft peak consistency when a spatula is run through it.
Once finished, the reduced applesauce will amount to approximately 15 ounces (measured using a food scale).
Remember to let it cool before incorporating it into the recipe.

Why Boxed Cake Mix is Essential

The majority of gooey butter cake recipes utilize a boxed cake mix as the foundation for the crust. It's a classic component that contributes to its distinctive character.

While I strive to create recipes entirely from scratch, I couldn't overlook the importance of the cake mix in this case. It plays a vital role in the overall flavor profile of gooey butter cake!

Of course, you have the option to explore alternative approaches, such as crafting your own crust using flour and baking powder, among other ingredients.

Finding a suitable recipe wouldn't be too challenging, and I have no doubt it would yield a delicious outcome. However, there's something special about the box mix; the result simply wouldn't be the same without it!

Opting for Spice Cake Mix

While many fall-inspired gooey butter cakes traditionally rely on yellow cake mix, I decided to go with spice cake mix for this recipe.

The warm and aromatic notes of the spice cake mix complement the delicate and flavorful apple filling exceptionally well.

It's the ideal dessert for the autumn season, particularly if, like me, you're not quite prepared to fully embrace pumpkin season just yet!

How to Serve Apple Gooey Butter Cake

When it comes to serving Apple Gooey Butter Cake, I have a bit of a dilemma because I enjoy it in all ways! For those seeking the ultimate gooeyness, I recommend serving it slightly warm or at room temperature.

However, people also find it absolutely delightful when served chilled. If you have the opportunity to make it a day in advance, it becomes even more delicious (psst! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time, especially for Thanksgiving!)

Apple Gooey Butter Cake: A Fantastic Dessert to Prepare in Advance

Simply bake it, allow it to cool completely, and then tightly cover the top with plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated until about an hour before serving, allowing it to return to room temperature during that time.

While this cake is undeniably amazing on its own, adding a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to another level of deliciousness.

You can also sprinkle some slivered almonds over the top to add a delightful crunch. It not only enhances the taste but also creates a visually appealing presentation!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Gooey Butter Cake

What makes a cake gluey?

Developing the flour's gluten too much means the cake will rise beautifully in the oven – then sink (a little, or a lot) as soon as you pull it out. And the sinking cake is what makes dense, moist, gluey streaks.