Apple gooey butter cake has all of the ooey gooey butter cake texture with spice cake and apple butter mixed in. It is a perfect fall treat that is easy to make and tastes unbelievable.
Cinnamon and apples are a match made in heaven. With fall around the corner, it is time to break out all of the warm spicey apple treats and this apple ooey gooey butter cake recipe is a fabulous addition to your autumnal repertoire.
Being from a smaller midwestern town not too far from St. Louis, gooey butter cake has always been a favorite in our family. Of course we love the original, but we also love fun twists on that idea.
Funfetti gooey butter cake is loaded with colorful sprinkles making it fun for birthdays. And pumpkin gooey butter cake has been a fall favorite for years and years.
As I was whipping up the pumpkin version last fall it occurred to me that an apple version would be amazing. I just knew apple butter would be a great addition to the cream cheese layer.
It occurred to me that using a spice cake mix for the base would be a great way to incorporate those yummy baking spices. I have been anxious to try it ever since.
I am so glad to say it lived up to my expectations. This fun treat is packed full of flavor, texture and rich goodness.
Tips for Making the Cake
I used homemade apple butter for this cake. It is really easy to make, but of course you can pick up a jar at the store.
Otherwise this recipe is super simple to make. Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature is really the biggest key to getting a smooth creamy filling.
Having the apple butter and eggs at room temperature also helps to make sure everything incorporates well. Other than that, it just takes a few minutes to put together.
You want to bake the cake until the edges are golden brown and the center still has some wobble. That is what makes the finished product ooey and gooey.
Cool the cake to room temperature before serving. If you chill the cake, it is easier to cut and serve into nice squares.
I like to eat gooey butter cake at room temperature. But my sister loves to microwave it for a few seconds to make it extra gooey.
So you can try either or both and see how you like it best. It is tasty no matter what.
Storing Gooey Butter Cake
Conventional wisdom says that gooey butter cake can be stored at room temperature for several days. I like to keep mine refrigerated because the cream cheese, it lasts in the refrigerator for at least a week.
For longer storage put pieces in freezer safe airtight containers and freeze for up to 5 months. Just defrost a piece or microwave it for a bit when you are ready to enjoy it.
What is the difference between apple butter and applesauce?
Both are milled or pureed apples that are cooked down. The only difference is apple butter is cooked down for longer which reduces the amount of water and allows it to caramelize. This gives apple butter a richer mouthfeel and deeper flavor. Often spices are added as the apples cook for a well rounded flavor.
How do you know when a gooey butter cake is done baking?
You will know the gooey butter cake is done when edges are golden brown and the center still has some wobble. That is how you know the crust is baked but the center will still be ooey and gooey.
More Great Apple Dessert Recipes
Creamy apple butter pie is silky and delicious. It has the texture of pumpkin pie, but with the flavor of apples and goodness of sweetened condensed milk instead!
If you love fried apples you are going to love yummy cinnamon spiced apples in the instant pot. They are so quick and easy to make and are sweet and tender.
A slice of warm delicious down home caramel apple upside down skillet cake is sure to bring a smile to your face. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to this spiced cake for an extra special fall treat.
Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!
Apple Gooey Butter Cake
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 spice cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup butter melted
Filling
- ½ cup butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups apple butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together cake mix, egg and melted butter. Press into the bottom of prepared pan.1 spice cake mix, 1 large egg, ½ cup butter
- Use the same bowl to make the filling. Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.½ cup butter, 8 oz cream cheese
- Add apple butter, powdered sugar and eggs. Stir until combined, but try not to mix in a lot of air.2 cups apple butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 3 large eggs
- Pour over crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is almost set. There should be a bit of wobble still in the filling.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, then chill if desired.
- Dust with powdered sugar, cut into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
Video
Nutrition
Jelry
Saturday 29th of July 2023
So can apple sauce be used instead of apple butter?
Carlee
Sunday 30th of July 2023
I haven't tried it, but I would think the moisture content might be a little bit too high. Apple butter gives you more concentrated flavor with the spice cooked in, so it is a great option for recipes like this. If you try the applesauce, please let me know how it goes.
Phyllis
Friday 28th of July 2023
Hi Carlee. I experiment too. I make a sweet potato version here since I live in the south. Family and friends love it. Going to try this version too. Sounds delicious.
Carlee
Friday 28th of July 2023
Oooh, a sweet potato version sounds amazing!
Andrea Nine
Friday 27th of August 2021
Give me all the gooey and I am so ready for lots of Apple recipes so keep them coming girl!
Carlee
Friday 27th of August 2021
I am ready too! So don't worry, you'll be seeing plenty!!