If you’re anything like me and can never resist a dessert that’s perfectly sweet but with a little twist, you’re going to adore this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe. It’s that magical kind of cake that’s buttery and dense with a soft, gooey cream cheese layer, studded with tender, warm spiced apples. Honestly, the salted caramel drizzle on top turns it into something truly unforgettable, making every bite a little celebration of comfort and indulgence.

I love making this cake when I want to impress friends or cozy up on a chilly weekend with a cup of coffee. The great part? It’s easier than it sounds, and the mix of brown butter, fragrant spices, and tangy cream cheese hits all those right notes you’re hoping for in a fall dessert. Trust me, once you try this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe, it’ll become a requested staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role — from the brown butter that adds luscious nutty depth, to the spiced apples that give a fresh, cozy flavor, to that rich salted caramel sauce which brings everything together with a sweet-salty finish. I always recommend sourcing fresh, crisp apples and using room temperature dairy ingredients where possible, to get the best texture in the cake.

Unsalted butter: Browning your butter adds amazing nutty richness—don’t rush this step or burn it!
Apples: Pick crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect texture and tartness.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice: These warm spices complement the apple perfectly; fresh ground will always give you more punch.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that works beautifully with the spices and apples.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a silky cream layer.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the cake and cream cheese layers blend evenly.
Powdered sugar: Use for the cream cheese layer to keep it smooth and sweet without grit.
All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour to prevent a dense cake—this keeps it light but sturdy enough to hold the gooey center.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for the slight lift in this dense but tender spice cake.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and brown butter with straightforward sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic boost—pure vanilla is best!
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a little tang, enhancing that tender crumb.
Heavy cream: Used in the caramel sauce for that silky smooth finish.
Sea salt: Essential for the salted caramel, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe depending on the season or mood. You can easily make it your own and still get that ooey-gooey magic everyone loves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the apples, spices, or caramel texture!

Variation: Swap the apples for pears or even diced peaches in summer for a juicy twist—I tried pears once, and the subtlest flavor change was delightful!
Variation: For a nut-free version, skip adding any nuts in the caramel or cake; it’s delicious just as is.
Variation: Make it vegan by using plant-based cream cheese, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute. I’ve done this when baking for friends with dietary preferences, and it still held that perfect gooey texture.
Variation: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch, especially nice if you like a little texture contrast.

How to Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it—it will foam up, then begin browning as the milk solids toast. Look for a rich amber color and a nutty aroma, then immediately remove it from heat to prevent burning. I always transfer it to a heatproof bowl to cool slightly before using it in the cake batter. This step adds so much depth to the cake, so don’t rush!

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apples

Peel and dice your apples into half-inch pieces—uniform pieces mean even cooking and texture in the cake. Toss them with the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar in a bowl. This little spice rub softens slightly as the cake bakes, releasing those warming flavors throughout the crumb. I like to mix these gently so the apples stay intact and don’t get mushy before baking.

Step 3: Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer

In a larger bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy—no lumps! Then add the egg and egg yolk, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating to create a silky, thick layer. This is the gooey magic of the cake, so take your time to get this smooth. Set it aside until assembly.

Step 4: Mix the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, in another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, buttermilk, egg, and egg yolk. Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined to avoid over-developing the gluten. The batter will be thick and fragrant, signaling you’re ready for the next step.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square pan. Spread half of the cake batter evenly on the bottom. Carefully dollop the cream cheese layer over it, spreading gently but leaving some swirls for that gooey character. Sprinkle the spiced apples on top, then spread the remaining cake batter to cover everything. Bake for about 45-50 minutes until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs. You want that perfect balance of gooey and baked!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the cake bakes or cools, make your salted caramel sauce. Heat the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth amber liquid. Quickly whisk in butter, then drizzle in heavy cream, stirring until silky. Finish with sea salt and vanilla. This sauce is a dream on this cake, so don’t skimp on savoring a little as you make it!

How to Serve Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

The image shows a neat arrangement of ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the top left is a white bowl filled with pale yellow cubed butter. To its right, there is a white plate holding four brown eggs. Below the butter cubes is a small square white plate with a block of soft yellow butter marked with cut lines. To the right of the butter block are four small white bowls: the top left filled with light brown sugar, top right with a dark liquid (likely vanilla), middle left with white granulated sugar, and bottom left with a dark brown powder (likely cinnamon). At the bottom left is a white bowl full of creamy white cottage cheese or ricotta, and on the bottom right is a larger white bowl heaped with white flour. The ingredients are cleanly separated with ample white space around each container. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this cake with an extra drizzle of that salted caramel sauce because, well, why not? If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few toasted pecans on top adds great texture and flavor. Sometimes, I add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish—pretty and classic.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of cinnamon vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy coffee date, a warm cup of spiced chai or black coffee complements the cake’s sweet-spicy layers beautifully. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a lightly sweetened latte—comfort food at its finest.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re presenting this at a gathering, try cutting it into smaller squares and serving on a decorative platter with small ramekins of extra salted caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling. For holidays, add a few edible flowers or thin apple slices fanned out on top for a fresh, pretty touch. When I made this for a birthday, I added a cinnamon stick and apple slice on each piece—it was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4-5 days, and because it’s dense and moist, it doesn’t dry out quickly. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before enjoying again—that cream cheese layer softens beautifully when warm.

Freezing

This cake freezes really well! I usually slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, it lasts up to 3 months. When I want a treat, I thaw a piece overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving. It tastes almost as fresh as the day I baked it.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds—just enough to warm the gooey center without melting the caramel on top completely. If you prefer, a quick 5-minute stint in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil also works great. Either way, warm bites truly bring out the luscious flavors and that dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in the Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe?

Absolutely! While firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to maintain texture during baking, you can experiment with Gala, Fuji, or even pears for a different but delicious twist. Just make sure your diced fruit pieces aren’t too large to ensure even cooking throughout the cake.
How do I know when the Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel is done baking?

The edges should be golden and pulling away slightly from the pan. A toothpick inserted near the center will come out with just a few moist crumbs stuck to it—not completely clean, because the center is meant to be gooey. If you see wet batter, bake a few minutes longer.
Can I prepare the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salted caramel sauce up to a week ahead and store it tightly sealed in the fridge. Warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove before drizzling over the cake. Just stir before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
Is this Apple Gooey Butter Cake gluten-free friendly?

This recipe is designed with all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I recommend ensuring the blend includes xanthan gum for structure, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.
How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and beaten smooth before adding eggs and sugar. Also, don’t overmix the batter once combined with the cream cheese layer—gentle spreading helps keep layers distinct. Using room temperature eggs helps keep the layers stable as well.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is one of those special desserts that makes me smile every time I slice into it. The combination of warm spiced apples, rich brown butter, and that melting cream cheese layer topped with luscious caramel feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just because, I truly hope you enjoy this cake as much as I do—happy baking, friend!

Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

★★★★★ 4.6 from 83 reviews

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel is a luscious, multi-layered dessert featuring spiced, tender apples on top of a brown butter spice cake base, topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese layer and finished with a homemade salted caramel sauce. The cake combines warm autumnal flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with the irresistible gooey texture and a hint of salted caramel for an indulgent treat perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Prepare the Brown Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook, stirring frequently, until it browns and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Cook the Spiced Apples: In a skillet, combine diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk, beating until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully integrated and smooth. Set aside.
Mix the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Assemble the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread the spice cake batter evenly into the pan. Layer the cooked spiced apples evenly over the batter. Pour the cream cheese layer on top, smoothing it out evenly.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and whisk until melted and combined. Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Serve: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle generous amounts of the salted caramel sauce over each slice before serving. Enjoy the gooey, spiced, and caramel-infused flavors!

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results and texture.
Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning; it should smell nutty and look golden brown.
Adjust the amount of sea salt in the caramel sauce to your taste preference for sweetness vs saltiness.
This cake is best served at room temperature but can also be refrigerated and brought back to room temp before serving.
For easier slicing, chill the cake for an hour before cutting.

Keywords: apple cake, gooey butter cake, salted caramel, brown butter, spiced cake, cream cheese layer, autumn dessert