I can’t wait to share this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe with you—it’s truly one of those desserts that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. The combination of tender spiced apples nestled inside a rich, buttery cake topped with a luscious cream cheese layer and drizzled with salted caramel is nothing short of magical. It’s a dessert that simply screams “fall baking” but honestly, I bake it all year round because it’s that good.

What makes this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe stand out is the layers of flavor and texture. Between the brown butter’s nutty depth, the gooey cream cheese, and the caramel’s perfect balance of sweet and salty, every bite delights. Whether it’s a potluck, a weekend treat, or a special family gathering, this cake never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your go-to box for years.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe starts with wholesome, flavorful ingredients that play so well together—like the warm spices, creamy textures, and that irresistible salted caramel. When you shop, I recommend fresh apples and room temperature dairy for the best results.

Unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty richness you don’t want to skip. Let it cool a bit before mixing.
Apples: I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice: These warm spices bring out the best in the apples and cake layers—don’t skimp here!
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth to the spiced apples.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps in the gooey layer.
Eggs and egg yolks: Room temperature is key for smooth mixing and fluffier cake texture.
Powdered sugar: For that creamy sweetness in the cream cheese layer.
All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it to avoid packing too much flour, which can make your cake dense.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise perfectly.
Granulated white sugar: Essential for a balanced sweetness in the cake and caramel.
Vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors, especially in the caramel sauce.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity that makes the cake tender and moist.
Heavy cream: Used in the caramel for smoothness and richness.
Sea salt: The finishing touch that enhances every bite of caramel.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe is—you can tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve tried some fun versions, and I encourage you to make it your own!

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve done this for a friend’s visit, and no one could tell the difference!
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a non-dairy cream cheese with plant-based milk for the buttermilk. It’s a bit different but still delicious.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple mixture for an extra warm spice note—perfect for holiday seasons.
Fruit Swaps: Pears or peaches work beautifully instead of apples if you want a twist during summer or spring.

How to Make Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Deepen Flavor

Start by melting 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until it foams, then you’ll see it turn golden brown with a nutty aroma—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t walk away; burnt butter smells bitter and will overpower the cake. Once browned, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool slightly while you prepare the apples.

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apples

While the butter cools, peel and dice about 2 cups of apples into half-inch pieces. Toss them in a bowl with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. This mix softens and sweetens the apples, infusing that warming spice aroma you’ll love in the cake. Set aside while you make the cake batter.

Step 3: Make the Brown Butter Spice Cake Batter

In a bowl, sift together 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. In another, beat the browned butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until combined and smooth. Add one egg and one yolk (both room temp) and mix well. Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. This layering keeps the batter light and moist—don’t overmix, or it gets tough.

Step 4: Prepare the Gooey Cream Cheese Layer

Cream 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese until silky. Mix in one egg and one yolk, then gradually add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar to form a smooth, thick layer. This is the luscious center of the cake that sets just right during baking to ooze every bite with gooey goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread half of the brown butter cake batter into a greased 9×9-inch pan. Layer the spiced apples evenly over the batter, then gently spread the cream cheese mixture on top. Finish with the remaining cake batter, smoothing gently to cover. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (a little moistness is perfect for gooeyness).

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the cake bakes, melt 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat. Watch carefully as it turns amber—resist stirring, just swirl the pan gently. Once it’s caramel-colored, stir in 5 tablespoons butter until melted and combined, then slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir until smooth, remove from heat, and add 1 teaspoon vanilla and between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon sea salt depending on your salt preference. Let it cool to thicken slightly before drizzling.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

After the cake cools slightly but is still warm, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. This is where the magic happens—the caramel seeps into cracks and adds that perfect sweet-salty finish. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

How to Serve Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe

The image shows a top view of nine white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a bowl is filled with pale yellow cubes. To its right, a white plate holds four brown eggs. Below the cubes, a rectangular white plate holds a stick of light yellow butter with faint cut lines. Next to it, three small white bowls are lined up vertically: the top one contains light brown granulated sugar, the middle one has white granulated sugar, and the bottom one has dark brown powdered spice. To the right of these, two more small white bowls sit vertically, with a dark brown liquid in the top bowl and a white creamy liquid in the bottom bowl. At the bottom left, a large white bowl is filled with a white soft cheese or cream. At the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with fine white flour. The composition is neat and well-lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love a simple sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top—that adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the gooey layers. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving makes it look festive. If I’m feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai—both balance the sweetness and spices wonderfully. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad with citrus notes to brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake this cake in mini loaf pans or even muffin tins—perfect for sharing and individual portions. Drizzle each piece with salted caramel and garnish with a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick for a charming, rustic look that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers covered tightly in the fridge to maintain moisture and freshness. Wrapped well, it holds up beautifully for up to 4 days. Just bring it to room temperature before serving to bring back that gooey texture.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing slices of this Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it tastes just like fresh-baked. It’s a great way to prep ahead for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until gooey and soft again. If you want to revive the crisp edges, pop it in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Just be careful not to dry it out—adding a tiny drizzle of caramel can help keep that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for the Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe?

You want apples that hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my personal favorites because they soften without turning to mush and complement the sweetness of the caramel.
Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salted caramel sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Warm it gently before drizzling to bring back that silky texture.
What’s the best way to avoid a soggy bottom in this cake?

Make sure to spread the apple mixture evenly and don’t overload with too much liquid. Using the brown butter in the cake batter helps balance moisture, and baking in a well-greased pan with a little parchment paper can assist in even cooking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

You can! Just remember to bake it a bit longer and monitor it closely with toothpick tests to avoid under or overbaking. A 9×13-inch pan should work well for a doubled batch.
Is this cake suitable for beginners?

Definitely. While the Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe has multiple components, each step is straightforward, and the results are forgiving. Just take your time with browning the butter and making the caramel, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing cake.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Gooey Butter Cake with Salted Caramel Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites to bake and share. Its mix of flavors, textures, and that homemade caramel drizzle makes it feel extra special yet totally approachable. If you want to wow your family or friends with minimal fuss but maximum comfort, this is your go-to. I hope you enjoy baking and eating it as much as I do—let me know how it turns out, and happy baking!