Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that’s both cozy and irresistibly decadent, this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender spiced apples nestled inside a rich brown butter cake, layered with a luscious cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Then, to top it off, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce that hits the perfect balance of sweet and salty – trust me, it’s a showstopper for any gathering or just a quiet night in.
I first made this cake last fall when apples were at their peak and a little craving for comfort hit me hard. Since then, it’s been a go-to during chilly evenings and holiday celebrations. What makes this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe stand out is the layers of flavor and texture that come together so effortlessly. You’ll love how the brown butter brings a nutty depth, while the gooey cream cheese layer adds that decadence that keeps everyone coming back for one more bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component of this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe plays a crucial role, so I recommend sourcing fresh apples and quality dairy products for the best results. Don’t worry – the ingredients are straightforward and probably already in your pantry or fridge!
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted keeps control of the saltiness, especially important for the brown butter’s rich flavor.
- Apples: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn to balance the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice: This spice trio infuses the apples and cake with warm fall flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the spiced apples.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better and give you a velvety texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese layer.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure; spoon and level for accurate measurement.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leaveners help the cake rise perfectly without being heavy.
- Granulated White Sugar: For sweetness in the cake and salted caramel sauce.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, giving everything a smooth, fragrant finish.
- Buttermilk: Its acidity tenderizes the cake, balancing the buttery richness.
- Heavy Cream: Essential in the caramel sauce for creaminess and that classic mouthfeel.
- Sea Salt: Adds that salty contrast to the caramel for a perfect flavor punch.
Variations
I love making this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Different Fruit: I’ve swapped the apples for pears or even sliced peaches in summer with great success—just adjust the spices accordingly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in the caramel to accommodate dietary needs—this still keeps the gooey magic.
- Nutty Addition: Toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the cream cheese layer add a lovely crunch (and extra cozy vibes!).
- Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugar, I reduce brown sugar in the apples by half and lighten the powdered sugar a bit; the cake still tastes perfect.
How to Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Brown Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently, watching as it foams then slowly browns and smells nutty—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Pour the browned butter into a heat-safe bowl and let it cool a little; it adds such a toasty, rich flavor that’s worth the extra attention.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apples
Toss your peeled, diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar. This spice blend brings out the natural sweetness and creates a warm flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the buttery cake. Set them aside so the spices meld while you prep the batter.
Step 3: Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and egg yolk, mixing well before slowly incorporating powdered sugar. The key here is to avoid over-mixing so the layer stays light yet luscious. This gooey filling is what makes this cake uniquely indulgent.
Step 4: Mix the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter
Whisk together flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine your browned butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, buttermilk, eggs, and egg yolk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until combined—you don’t want to overwork the batter or it could get tough.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread half the cake batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, then sprinkle your spiced apples evenly over it. Next, dollop and gently spread the cream cheese layer on top of the apples. Finally, add the remaining cake batter in spoonfuls and smooth it out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes until the top is set and golden but still slightly jiggly in the middle—that’s when it’s perfectly gooey.
Step 6: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
While the cake cools, make your salted caramel by melting sugar over medium heat until golden amber. Stir in butter, then slowly whisk in heavy cream. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla. This sauce is incredible warm or at room temperature drizzled over your cake.
How to Serve Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving for added texture and to highlight the salted caramel flavors. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also lends a charming, bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For drinks, I love serving it alongside a warm spiced chai latte or a cup of black coffee to cut through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, I like slicing the cake into squares and serving it on a rustic wooden board with extra caramel sauce in a small bowl for dipping. During holidays, dressing it up with edible gold leaf or cinnamon stick garnishes makes it feel so festive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It stays moist and gooey for up to 4 days, which makes it great for making ahead and enjoying leftovers without losing any of the luscious texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this cake a few times by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture holds up well, though the gooey cream cheese layer may soften slightly.
Reheating
For me, reheating a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds brings back that warm gooeyness perfectly. You can also warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispier top. Just add a quick drizzle of salted caramel sauce after reheating to freshen it up.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen apples for this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the cake soggy. Tossing them with a little flour before adding to the batter helps absorb excess liquid and keeps the texture intact.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! I’ve successfully swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful that the texture might be a touch different—monitor baking time as it may vary slightly.
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How thick should I cut the apples for the spiced layer?
Dice the apples into about ½ inch pieces. This size allows them to soften and meld with the cake but still hold some texture and bite, which I love for that satisfying contrast.
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Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the salted caramel sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before drizzling over your cake to get that perfect pourable consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a combination of comfort and indulgence that’s perfect for sharing with family or surprising yourself after a long day. Once you try it, the layers of flavors—from the nutty brown butter to the spiced apples and velvety cream cheese topped with that luscious caramel—will have you making it again and again. Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert I happily recommend to friends and can’t wait for you to enjoy too!
Print
Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a decadent Apple Gooey Butter Cake topped with warm salted caramel sauce. This dessert combines spiced apples and a rich cream cheese layer atop a tender brown butter spice cake, finished with a luscious homemade salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall or any special occasion, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery flavors in every bite.
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
Gooey Cream Cheese Layer
- 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
Brown Butter Spice Cake
- 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
- Make the Brown Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Spiced Apples: In a bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar until evenly coated. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk, beating well to combine. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Set aside.
- Prepare Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a larger bowl, mix the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Beat in the buttermilk, egg, and egg yolk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour the brown butter spice cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Scatter the spiced apples over the batter. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and the edges of the cake are golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding apples and cream cheese topping) should come out clean.
- Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns into an amber-colored liquid without burning. Remove from heat and immediately stir in butter until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool before cutting into squares. Drizzle generously with the warm salted caramel sauce just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and cream cheese layer.
- The brown butter adds a deep nutty flavor, but be careful not to burn it.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- The salted caramel sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; gently reheat before serving.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: gooey butter cake, apple cake, salted caramel, fall dessert, cream cheese, brown butter, spiced cake, homemade caramel sauce
