If you love the comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in a luscious dessert, then this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a spectacularly rich, moist cake layered with tender spiced apples and velvety cream cheese, all topped with an irresistible homemade salted caramel sauce. Each bite offers a mouthwatering mix of gooey sweetness and warm spices that perfectly celebrate the cozy season. This recipe combines simple, familiar ingredients to create an unforgettable dessert that friends and family will beg you to make again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is a breeze thanks to the straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Every single component plays a vital role — from the spiced apples giving it that comforting aroma to the brown butter which adds a nutty depth that’s absolutely dreamy.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (112 g): For creating that rich brown butter base that’s essential to the cake’s flavor.
- Diced apples, 2 cups (268 g): Adds fresh fruitiness and natural sweetness with a tender texture.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp + 1 1/2 tsp: A warm spice that perfectly complements the apples and the cake batter.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp: Provides a subtle earthy spice for depth.
- Ground allspice, 1/8 tsp + 1/8 tsp: Adds complexity and a hint of cloves-like flavor.
- Brown sugar, 2 tbsp: Adds molasses notes that balance the tartness of the apples.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz (226 g): For that luscious, creamy layer that makes the cake gooey and indulgent.
- Eggs and egg yolks, 3 total: Give the cake structure and contribute richness.
- Powdered sugar, 2 1/2 cups (325 g): Sweetens and lightens the cream cheese mixture.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup + 2 tbsp (141 g): The foundation of the cake’s tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise perfectly with a light texture.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup + 1 cup: Used both in the batter and to create that dreamy caramel sauce.
- Vanilla extract, 3 tsp total: Adds sweetness and depth to both cake and caramel.
- Buttermilk, 1/2 cup (120 ml): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml): Creates a silky, rich caramel sauce.
- Sea salt, 1/4–1/2 tsp: Balances the sweetness and amps up the caramel’s flavor.
How to Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the butter over medium heat until it foams and releases a nutty aroma, then let it brown gently for about 5-6 minutes. This step is what gives the cake a deeply rich base flavor that makes every bite unforgettable. Once browned, transfer the butter to a bowl and chill until it firms up slightly but remains soft enough to whip later.
Step 2: Cook the Apples with Spices
While the butter chills, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar in a pan. Cook them on medium heat for around 10 minutes until the apples soften and their natural juices thicken into a spiced syrup. This adds a luscious fruit layer that contrasts beautifully with the rich, gooey cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Beat together cream cheese with an egg and an egg yolk until silky smooth, then fold in powdered sugar gradually to create a creamy, sweet topping layer. This will help give the cake that signature gooey, tangy finish everyone loves in an Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9-inch springform pan, and line the base with parchment paper. This ensures the cake bakes evenly and releases perfectly once done.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. These spices and leavening agents create the backbone of the batter’s fragrant and airy crumb.
Step 6: Whip the Brown Butter with Sugar and Eggs
Whip the chilled brown butter until it turns pale and fluffy, then add granulated sugar and keep beating until light and airy. Add the eggs and vanilla next, mixing till everything is smooth and perfectly blended. This mixture will form the wet base of the cake that’s full of flavor and moisture.
Step 7: Combine Batter and Buttermilk
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing gently on low speed. This technique keeps the batter light while ensuring the perfect balance of moisture.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layers
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, then evenly layer the spiced apples on top. Cover with the remaining batter, smoothing it out, and finally spread the cream cheese mixture over the top. This layering builds the signature gooey texture and multi-dimensional flavor.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden edge and a shiny center that jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This signals it’s beautifully baked but still gooey inside.
Step 10: Cool and Chill the Cake
Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes. Then refrigerate it for 2 hours to fully set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.
Step 11-13: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt granulated sugar over medium-low heat until it turns golden. Quickly whisk in butter, then heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Finish with sea salt and vanilla, simmering briefly to develop richness. This luxurious salted caramel sauce crowns the cake with a perfect sweet-salty balance.
Step 14: Serve Your Masterpiece
Release the cake from the springform pan, transfer it carefully to a serving plate, and pour the cooled caramel sauce evenly over the top. Serve at room temperature to enjoy the full gooey, creamy texture. If chilled overnight, allow it to warm up for about an hour before serving.
How to Serve Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch, but adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the gooey cream cheese layer. A few fresh apple slices on the side can also echo the main flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Apple Gooey Butter Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. For a beverage pairing, warm apple cider or a spiced chai latte complements the warm spices immensely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into squares and serving individually drizzled with extra salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Or go festive by topping with chopped caramelized pecans and a cinnamon stick to turn this dessert into a centerpiece that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the cake fresh and maintains the perfect balance of gooey cream cheese and spiced apples.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
For the best texture, serve the cake at room temperature by letting it sit out for about 30-60 minutes after refrigeration or thawing. If you prefer warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and add a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart varieties like Granny Smith add nice brightness, sweet apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully too, depending on your taste preference.
Is this cake gluten-free friendly?
This Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can try substituting with a gluten-free blend. Be aware the texture may change slightly but the flavors should remain delicious.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the salted caramel sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently warm it before serving.
Why is the cake gooey in the center?
The signature gooeyness comes from the cream cheese topping and perfectly timed baking that leaves the center slightly soft yet set. This is intentional to achieve that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Can I double this recipe to make a larger cake?
You certainly can. Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger 9×13 inch pan, adjusting the baking time slightly—start checking around 50 minutes and test for doneness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is pure magic on a plate. It beautifully combines comforting autumn flavors with irresistible gooey cream and a smooth salted caramel finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a heartfelt dessert, this cake is absolutely worth every step. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 – 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel combines a rich, moist cake layered with spiced sautéed apples and a creamy cream cheese topping, finished with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for autumn or any cozy dessert craving, this cake balances sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced flavors with a silky caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
Brown Butter
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter
Spiced Apples
- 2 cups (268 g) apples, peeled and diced into ½ inch pieces (about 2 apples)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp (28 g) brown sugar
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (325 g) powdered sugar
Cake Batter
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (141 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground allspice
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Brown butter from above
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp sea salt, depending on preference
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Add the butter to a pot and heat over medium heat until melted and simmering. Continue simmering for 5-6 minutes until the butter foams, emits a nutty aroma, and browns. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Refrigerate until solid but malleable, like softened butter.
- Cook the Apples: In a medium pan, combine diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until juices thicken and apples soften. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, egg, and egg yolk on medium-high speed until smooth (1-2 minutes). Sift half the powdered sugar into the bowl and mix on low to medium speed until combined. Add remaining powdered sugar and mix just until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Whip Brown Butter Mixture: Whip the cooled brown butter on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add granulated sugar and continue whipping until light and fluffy, another 1-2 minutes. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and pale. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add Flour and Buttermilk: Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the wet ingredients on low speed until combined and the batter is smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the spiced apples evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth it out. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the center has a shiny, slightly jiggly appearance and edges turn light golden brown.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 45 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours to set.
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce – Melt Sugar: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt granulated sugar. It will crystallize initially, then fully melt and turn golden over about 20 minutes. Reduce heat to low once mostly melted to prevent burning.
- Add Butter: Stir in butter immediately and mix quickly until fully combined.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream and stir quickly to combine. If separated, increase heat slightly and stir vigorously until smooth.
- Add Salt and Vanilla; Simmer: Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely before use.
- Serve: When the cake is chilled, loosen edges with a knife, remove from springform pan, and transfer to a serving plate. Pour cooled caramel sauce over the top and spread evenly. Serve best at room temperature; if chilled overnight, allow to sit out for about an hour before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and no lumps.
- Be careful when browning butter; it can go from browned to burnt quickly.
- Make sure the caramel does not burn by keeping heat low and stirring frequently.
- If caramel sauce separates, gently reheat and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify.
- Allow the cake to fully chill and set for best slicing results.
- Apples can be substituted with pears or other firm fruit if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature for best flavor.
