Name: Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter; 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; 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; 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; 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

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Oh, you’re in for a real treat with this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe! This dessert has quickly become one of my favorites to bake when I want to impress guests or just indulge during cozy evenings at home. The way the soft, spiced apples blend with that irresistibly gooey cream cheese layer, all wrapped in a brown butter-scented cake, is simply divine. And the salted caramel drizzle? It sends the whole thing into another realm of deliciousness.

What makes this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe so special is its balance between flavors and textures—spiced apples adding warmth, the gooey butter layer that’s luxuriously smooth, and the salty-sweet caramel tying it all together. I find it works beautifully in autumn or winter but honestly, anytime you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert is the right time to try it. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a recipe you reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe plays its part in creating those rich, layered flavors you’ll love. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality ingredients when possible—especially for things like apples and butter—to get the best results.

Unsalted butter: For browning, unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness — and browning it adds a lovely nutty depth.
Apples: I prefer crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: The warming spices bring a cozy, spiced vibe that pairs with apple beautifully.
Brown sugar: Adds that caramel-like sweetness to the spiced apples layer.
Cream cheese: Softened and at room temperature to create that luscious, gooey layer.
Eggs and egg yolks: Both for the cream cheese layer and the cake itself, helping everything set perfectly with richness.
Powdered sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture in the cream cheese layer.
All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement—this keeps the cake tender yet structured.
Baking powder and baking soda: Your leaveners to give the cake a nice rise without drying it out.
Granulated sugar: Both in the cake and salted caramel, opt for standard white sugar for that clean caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract: A splash in the batter and caramel to enhance all the flavors naturally.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity for a tender crumb and balances the sweetness.
Heavy cream: For the salted caramel, making it rich and silky.
Sea salt: Adds the signature salty kick in the caramel sauce to cut through the sweetness.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Over time, I’ve enjoyed tweaking it depending on the season, occasion, or what I have in the pantry.

Use different fruits: I’ve tried pears or even peaches in place of apples, and they work surprisingly well, especially with the spices.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom can deepen the flavor if you want a more complex spice profile.
Dairy-free option: Swap out butter and cream with vegan alternatives – the texture changes a touch, but it’s still a luscious treat.
Nut topping: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a wonderful crunch that contrasts nicely with the gooey layers.

How to Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for That Incredible Flavor

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye and swirl the pan gently until the butter turns a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma—that’s your flavor jackpot! Remove it from heat right away to avoid burning, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the other components. Browning butter is a game-changer and makes your cake taste so much richer and more complex.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Apples

Peel and dice your apples into nice, even half-inch pieces for even cooking. Toss them with the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become beautifully caramelized but still hold their shape, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the warm spiced flavor that makes this cake so special—don’t skip or rush it!

Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing well to combine perfectly. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, beating it until the mixture turns ultra smooth and creamy. This layer is the luscious heart of the cake, so getting a silky texture here is key.

Step 4: Prepare the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to blend your dry ingredients evenly. In another, combine the browned butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the eggs and egg yolk in, then add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with dry. This alternation keeps the batter tender and well-aerated.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your pan generously. Spread half of the brown butter cake batter evenly, then layer the spiced apples over it. Next spoon the creamy cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Finish by dolloping the remaining cake batter on top—don’t worry if it looks uneven, it bakes in beautifully! Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While your cake is baking or cooling, melt sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, swirling but not stirring, until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and add the butter, stirring until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble fiercely, so be careful), whisking until silky smooth. Stir in sea salt to taste and vanilla extract. This caramel gets drizzled generously over slices to finish the cake with just the right balance of sweet and salty.

How to Serve Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

The image shows several white bowls and small white dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different baking ingredients. At the top left is a white bowl filled with chunky, light yellow pieces of butter or cheese. To its right, a white plate holds four brown eggs. Below these, a rectangular white plate displays a block of pale yellow butter, neatly segmented. Moving down, a white bowl is filled with soft, lumpy white cheese or cream. Next to it is another white bowl piled high with fine white flour. Scattered between these larger bowls are three small white dishes containing brown sugar, granulated white sugar, and cocoa powder, plus two more small dishes holding a dark liquid (possibly vanilla extract) and a white liquid (likely cream or milk). photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a little extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a few flaky sea salt crystals on top for texture and that extra flavor pop—it looks gorgeous and tastes amazing!

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich enough to stand alone, but I sometimes serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. If I’m serving it after dinner, a cup of strong coffee or chai tea makes the perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe in a rustic wooden tray or on a beautiful cake pedestal with caramel sauce artistically drizzled in patterns on the plate. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on the side adds a lovely green touch and a subtle aromatic experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. The cake actually tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded together. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing slices works well if you want to keep some for later. I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge — it keeps the gooey texture surprisingly intact!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This helps bring back that fresh-baked softness and warms up the caramel to melty perfection.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe?

While fresh apples are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen apples if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking with the spices to avoid excess moisture that might make the cake soggy.
Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The salted caramel sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling over your cake to restore its pourable consistency.
What type of pan is best for this cake?

A 9×13 inch baking pan works perfectly for the Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe. It’s large enough for the layers and ensures even baking.
Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?

Mascarpone can be used and will give a slightly milder, more buttery flavor. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing results in the gooey layer.
How do I know when the cake is done?

It’s done when the edges are set and golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cream cheese layer may jiggle slightly but should not be liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is one of those desserts I keep coming back to because it’s so comforting and impressive without being complicated. It feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own after a long day. I hope you give it a try and find it as rewarding to bake and eat as I do—there’s nothing like biting into that gooey, caramel-drizzled perfection!