Best 12 Caramel Layer Cake With Apple Frosting Recipes

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Indulge your sweet cravings with the delectable caramel layer cake adorned with apple frosting. This classic dessert combines the richness of caramel and the tangy sweetness of apples in a harmonious symphony of flavors. Each layer of the cake is infused with caramel's decadent taste, while the apple frosting adds a delightful fruity twist, creating an irresistible treat that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

FRESH APPLE CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING



Fresh Apple Cake With Caramel Frosting image

Enjoy this recipe for fresh apple cake, topped off with a wonderful brown sugar caramel frosting.

Provided by Diana Rattray

Categories     Dessert     Cakes     Cake

Time 1h15m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (or neutral flavor oils like canola, corn oil, or safflower)
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups flour (11 1/4 ounces)
1 cup chopped pecans
3 cups finely chopped raw apples (or grated)
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup butter (4 ounces)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)
1 (1 lb) box confectioners sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13x2 inch baking pan and then line it with parchment or wax paper. Grease the paper.
  • Measure the vegetable oil into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the granulated sugar and eggs. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat until creamy. Beat in vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
  • Add the flour in small amounts, beating well after each addition. When all flour has been added, or when batter becomes very stiff, remove the electric mixer and begin stirring by hand.
  • Fold in chopped pecans and chopped apples.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully loosen edges and turn it out onto a cake rack, remove wax paper, cool and frost.
  • In a saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar together; place the pan over medium heat and cook until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly.
  • Remove the pan from the heat; add 3 tablespoons milk and 1 box of confectioners sugar. Beat and add just enough milk to spread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 659 kcal, Carbohydrate 84 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 449 mg, Fat 36 g, ServingSize 12 to 16 servings, UnsaturatedFat 27 g

MOM'S BEST APPLE CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING



Mom's Best Apple Cake With Caramel Frosting image

Looking for a way to use up an abundance of apples, I stumbled across this recipe on Pinterest and traced it to bunnysoven.com. She gives credit to Examiner.Com, from Anne Marie Hurley, Livonia, Michigan. I took the liberty of tweeking this just a little. What makes this cake killer is the caramel frosting you make and pour over the cake. Make the cake let it cool , make the caramel sauce and pour the hot caramel sauce over the cake. Uh huh, gooey delicious caramel over a moist apple filled cake. It's easy, fast to make and incredibly delicious. This is a keeper!

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h35m

Yield 1 cake

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup vegetable oil (I know of people who sub all or half applesauce)
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour (may use 1/2 cup whole wheat flour in place of 1/2 cup white flour)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk (may sub almond milk or other non dairy milk)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  • Cake: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg(if using), and baking soda. Beat together until well-incorporated. Stir in the apples.
  • Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 55 - 60 minutes. Cool completely before adding the topping.
  • Topping: In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Boil without stirring for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately spread over the top of the cooled cake. Let sit for an hour prior to serving.

APPLE CINNAMON LAYER CAKE WITH GOOEY CARAMEL DRIZZLE



Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake with Gooey Caramel Drizzle image

This impressive cake is filled with the familiar flavors of fall-cinnamon and apples-and it's simply a wonderful way to enjoy them.

Provided by Amanda Rettke

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield One 8-inch cake

Number Of Ingredients 17

Nonstick baking spray
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk, at room temperature
2 apples, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Caramel, for drizzling (about 6 tablespoons)

Steps:

  • For the apple cinnamon cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray or line with parchment.
  • Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Beat the butter and granulated sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, until incorporated.
  • Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated, then remove the bowl from the mixer.
  • Sift the flour and baking powder together in a bowl, then stir into the creamed butter mixture by hand. Mix the milk into the batter until smooth.
  • You should have about 6 cups of batter. Pour 1 1/2 cups of the batter (or a quarter of your total batter) into one of the prepared cake pans; add a quarter of the apples and a quarter of the brown sugar mixture, lightly patting the apple mixture into the batter. Gently pour another 1 1/2 cups of the batter over the apple layer; top with another quarter of the apples and brown sugar mixture. Lightly pat the apples into the batter.
  • Repeat with the remaining cake pan, batter, apples and brown sugar mixture.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool the cakes slightly, then invert them onto a rack to cool completely.
  • For the cinnamon buttercream: Add the butter, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and 1 tablespoon heavy cream to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn the mixer on slow to incorporate all the ingredients. If the frosting seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon heavy cream. Turn the mixer on high and beat until the frosting is lighter and fluffier, 1 to 2 minutes. (You want the frosting to be a spreadable consistency.)
  • To assemble the cake: place the first layer of cake on a cake stand. Drizzle with up to 3 tablespoons of caramel. Spread the top of the layer with all of the frosting. Place the other cake layer on top and drizzle with up to 3 tablespoons of caramel. Serve immediately.
  • The cake keeps, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.

APPLE SKILLET CAKE WITH SALTED CARAMEL FROSTING



Apple Skillet Cake With Salted Caramel Frosting image

This buttery cake is filled with soft, caramel-infused apples and topped with an easy caramel frosting. It's better to err on the side of underbaking the cake slightly, since it makes for a gooier end result.

Provided by Erin Jeanne McDowell

Categories     cakes, dessert

Time 1h

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 tablespoons/55 grams unsalted butter
2 large baking apples (about 12 ounces/340 grams), such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith or Braeburn, peeled, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup/110 grams dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup/115 grams unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 1/3 cup/290 grams dark brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 2/3 cup/215 grams all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 cup/170 grams unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature
3 cups/370 grams confectioners' sugar, sifted
7 ounces/205 grams unwrapped soft caramel candies
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt, as needed, for finishing

Steps:

  • Make the apples: In a 10-inch sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the apples soften slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch oven-proof skillet with butter.
  • Make the cake: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and mix to combine. Scrape the bowl well, then beat in the vanilla.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to combine. Add the flour mixture to the mixer and mix just until incorporated. Scrape the bowl well.
  • With a rubber spatula, gently fold the apple mixture (including all of the caramel-like liquid in the pan) into the batter. Mix just until incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and spread into an even layer. Bake until the surface is evenly golden brown and appears set - a toothpick inserted into the center should have a few moist crumbs clinging to it, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely.
  • Make the frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Place the caramels in a microwave-safe container. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring, until the caramel is warm and fluid. (This mixture will cool quickly, so be sure to do it just before you mix the frosting.) Add the warm (not hot) caramel mixture and mix on medium speed until incorporated. Scrape the bowl well.
  • Add the cream and vanilla and mix to combine. The frosting should be smooth and very soft. Scoop the frosting onto the cooled cake, and spread into an even layer. Garnish with flaky salt just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 624, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 94 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 401 milligrams, Sugar 76 grams, TransFat 1 gram

1-2-3-4 CAKE WITH CARAMEL ICING



1-2-3-4 Cake With Caramel Icing image

This really a scrumptious cake, though it is true, as some reviewers have noted, that the frosting just barely covers all three layers. You could double the recipe, as some people have done, or you could make a batch and a half. Your call. To make a batch and a half, the measurements would then be: 3/4 cup butter; 1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar; 1/4 + 2 tablespoons milk; and 3 cups of confectioner's sugar. Hopefully, this will give you enough frosting without having too much left over in your bowl, which, if you're anything like me, you will then be forced to eat at least *some* of, so as not to have to wash it all down the sink. ; )

Provided by MSnow

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease three 9-inch-round cake pans.
  • Line bottoms with waxed paper. Grease paper, and flour insides of pans.
  • Combine flour and baking powder in bowl.
  • Beat butter and sugar in another bowl at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, beating until smooth.
  • At low speed, alternately beat in four mixture and milk.
  • Beat in vanilla.
  • Scrape into prepared pans, dividing evenly.
  • Bake in 350-degree oven 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes.
  • Remove cakes from pans and cool completely on racks.
  • Meanwhile, prepare icing. *NOTE: The recipe states that "although the amount of icing seems small, it is enough to frost the cake. If you wish, the recipe may be doubled." I've found this to be true, but I recommend that you either double it or make a batch & a half, which is what I do.
  • Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar and milk Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  • Remove from heat. Cool.
  • Beat confectioners' sugar into milk mixture until smooth.
  • Frost and stack cake layers on cake plate, spreading 1/3 cup icing between each layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining icing.

CARAMEL APPLE CAKE



Caramel Apple Cake image

When I go to potlucks, family gatherings or on hunting and fishing trips with my husband and son, this cake is one of my favorite desserts to bring. The flavorful cake stays moist as long as it lasts, which isn't long! -Marilyn Paradis, Woodburn, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1-1/2 cups canola oil
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3-1/2 cups diced peeled apples
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
CARAMEL ICING:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup half-and-half cream
1/4 cup butter, cubed
Dash salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Chopped walnuts, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugars and eggs until well blended. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture until blended. Fold in the apples, walnuts and vanilla. , Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 325° for 1-1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. , In a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, cook and stir the brown sugar, cream, butter and salt until sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a small bowl; cool to room temperature. Beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth; drizzle over cake. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 528 calories, Fat 29g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 211mg sodium, Carbohydrate 63g carbohydrate (42g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CARAMEL CAKE



Caramel Cake image

Moist, delicious layer cake with caramel icing.

Provided by dcarrier1021

Categories     Desserts     Cakes

Time 2h22m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups white sugar
1 ½ cups butter
5 eggs
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (16 ounce) package brown sugar
1 cup butter
¼ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup evaporated milk
1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
  • Cream white sugar, 1 1/2 cups butter, and eggs together in a bowl. Beat well.
  • Combine flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add to the sugar mixture alternately with milk. Add vanilla extract. Beat until batter makes ribbons when falling from the whisk or beater. Divide batter among the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool layers on a rack before icing, at least 1 hour.
  • Combine brown sugar, 1 cup butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until brown sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add evaporated milk and continue stirring. Bring to a gentle boil and let bubble for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. Remove from heat and allow to cool, about 5 minutes.
  • Mix confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract into the butter-milk mixture using an electric mixer until icing caramelizes and thickens to the desired consistency.
  • Spread icing onto the cooled cake layers. Stack layers; ice top and sides.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1019.4 calories, Carbohydrate 154.5 g, Cholesterol 185.8 mg, Fat 42.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 8.6 g, SaturatedFat 26.1 g, Sodium 455.4 mg, Sugar 125.7 g

THREE-LAYER CARAMEL CAKE



Three-Layer Caramel Cake image

Easy to make... very moist... and best of all my friends and family love it!

Provided by Kandis

Categories     Desserts     Cakes

Time 1h23m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 ½ cups self-rising flour
1 ½ cups canola oil
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
1 cup dark brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans.
  • Combine flour, canola oil, white sugar, buttermilk, eggs, vinegar, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Mix until evenly distributed, 2 to 5 minutes. Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool, about 30 minutes.
  • Combine sweetened condensed milk, dark brown sugar, butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Stir constantly until frosting is thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove cooled cakes from pans. Spread frosting onto the cooled cake layers. Stack layers; frost top and sides.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 792.4 calories, Carbohydrate 99.4 g, Cholesterol 69.5 mg, Fat 40.8 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 651.7 mg, Sugar 79.8 g

BROWN-SUGAR LAYER CAKE WITH CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Brown-Sugar Layer Cake with Caramel Buttercream Frosting image

This cake is even sweeter when embellished with handmade marzipan animal figures -- which aren't too hard to make if you have the patience.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Time 4h

Yield Serves 10 to 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pans
3 cups cake flour, plus more for pans
2 cups packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces sour cream
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Caramel Buttercream Frosting for Brown-Sugar Layer Cake
Marzipan Animals

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment. Butter paper, and flour pans. Beat together butter and sugars with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Whisk together flour and salt. In another bowl, combine sour cream and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with sour cream mixture and starting and ending with flour mixture.
  • Divide batter between pans. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans, about 30 minutes. Invert cakes, remove pans and parchment, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Trim tops of cakes with a serrated knife to make level, then cut each cake in half horizontally. Reserve 1 bottom layer for another use. Place remaining bottom layer on a cake stand, and spread evenly with 1 1/4 cups frosting. Repeat with a second layer and another 1 1/4 cups frosting. Place third layer on top. Spread entire cake top and sides with 1 1/4 cups frosting. Refrigerate cake until firm, about 30 minutes. Spread with 1 1/2 cups frosting, smoothing top and sides. Serve immediately with marzipan animals, or refrigerate up to 2 days; if refrigerated, let cake come to room temperature before serving.

OATMEAL CAKE WITH CARAMEL ICING



Oatmeal Cake with Caramel Icing image

This oatmeal cake recipe tastes anything but light. The caramel icing sets up quick, so frost the cake immediately after it cools. -Summer Marks, Louisville, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

1-1/4 cups boiling water
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
ICING:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, pour boiling water over oats; let stand 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the oats. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan., Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 18-22 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack., For icing, in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Return to a boil. Cook and stir 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in vanilla and salt. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Immediately spread icing over cake. Let stand until set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

APPLE-SPICE LAYER CAKE WITH CARAMEL SWIRL ICING



Apple-Spice Layer Cake with Caramel Swirl Icing image

Provided by Rebecca Rather

Categories     Cake     Fruit     Ginger     Dessert     Bake     Christmas     Apple     Spice     Vanilla     Cinnamon     Party     Nutmeg     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield 12 to 14 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light molasses
6 large eggs
3 cups cake flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup sour cream
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Icing
One 14-ounce bag caramels
4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup (8 ounces) mascarpone (Italian cream cheese, available at most grocery stores)
2 cups pecan pieces, toasted (optional)

Steps:

  • Place one oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and a second rack in the top third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray, then line each with a parchment paper round and grease the rounds. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the molasses. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between each addition. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground spices to blend. Add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately to the batter. (Start and end with the flour mixture, adding the flour mixture in 3 increments and the sour cream in 2 increments.) After each addition, mix on low speed just to combine the ingredients. Stir in the shredded apples, vanilla, and ginger.
  • Spoon the batter (it will be thick) evenly into the prepared pans. Place two cake pans side by side on one rack and the third on the other. Stagger the cake layers on the oven racks so that no layer is directly over another. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until firm to the touch. Monitor the layers carefully for doneness; each one may be done at a different time. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pans and unmold the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely, 15 to 30 minutes, before frosting. The cakes can be kept frozen, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 weeks. Defrost them at room temperature before unwrapping. Frost immediately.
  • To make the icing: In a medium stainless-steel bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels, 2 tablespoons of the cream, and the 2 tablespoons butter. Place over a saucepan filled with 2 inches of simmering water. Stir the caramel mixture until smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat. Let cool, stirring the mixture every few minutes until cool to the touch, about 20 minutes. (If the mixture is too warm, it will melt the buttercream frosting when it is stirred in later.)
  • While the caramel is cooling, make the butter cream: Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 1 1/2 cups butter on medium-high speed for about 1 minute, until pale in color. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons cream and the vanilla and powdered sugar, and beat for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the mascarpone and beat on medium-low speed until incorporated. Do not overbeat the mascarpone, or it may separate. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooled caramel mixture to drizzle over the cake once it is frosted. Stir the remainder of the caramel into the frosting, using large strokes to create caramel swirls throughout. Don't stir it too much or the ribbons of caramel will disappear.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick blanket of frosting on top. Add the second layer and spread thickly with frosting. Add the third layer and cover the top and sides of the cake with an even layer of frosting. Use a small spoon to drizzle the reserved 1/4 cup of caramel over the top of the cake. Pat on the toasted pecan pieces to cover the sides of the cake. Tip: Using the proper tools for cutting frosted layer cakes ensures that individual servings look as good as they taste. I use a large serrated knife dipped in hot water for cutting. I wipe the knife off with a clean dishcloth after each piece, which ensures that every cut is as clean as the first.

APPLE LAYER CAKE WITH CREAM-CHEESE FROSTING



Apple Layer Cake with Cream-Cheese Frosting image

Three layers of delicately spiced apple cake are filled and frosted with tangy cream-cheese frosting here, yielding a towering dessert worthy of any celebration.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pans
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, two coarsely grated and two sliced
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 pounds (three 8-ounce bars) cream cheese, room temperature
5 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 pinches kosher salt
Apple chips, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans; line with parchment. Butter and flour parchment, tapping out any excess.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined; fold in grated and diced apples. Add flour mixture; mix just until combined. Divide batter among prepared pans; smooth tops.
  • Bake until a tester inserted in centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans 20 minutes, then invert onto wire racks; remove parchment. Invert cakes again; let cool completely on racks.
  • Frosting: In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add confectioners' sugar and salt; beat 5 minutes.
  • Place a cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1 cup frosting evenly over it; top with a second cake layer. Repeat with another 1 cup frosting and third cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 days. Return to room temperature before serving. Garnish with apple chips, if desired; use a serrated knife to slice cake.

Tips:

  • Prep Before Baking: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and a smooth batter.
  • Measuring Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to achieve the perfect texture.
  • Whipping Egg Whites: Patience is key when whipping egg whites. Gradually increase the speed of your mixer to avoid over-beating and ensure stiff peaks.
  • Folding Gently: When combining egg whites with the batter, use a spatula and fold gently to maintain airiness and prevent deflating.
  • Baking Time and Temperature: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on the cake during baking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  • Cooling Cakes Properly: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
  • Make Frosting Ahead: Prepare the frosting in advance and chill it for at least 30 minutes before use for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Frosting Layers Evenly: Divide the frosting evenly between layers and spread it smoothly to create a level surface for stacking.
  • Decorating with Style: Get creative with your decoration! Use sprinkles, edible flowers, or chopped nuts to add a personal touch.
  • Storing and Serving: Store frosted cakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the delectable flavors of the Caramel Layer Cake with Apple Frosting, an exquisite combination of dense cake layers, velvety caramel, and tangy apple flavors. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you'll create a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. Remember the tips and techniques discussed throughout this article to ensure successful baking and decorating. Experiment with different frosting flavors and decorations to make this recipe your own. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your culinary creation, and don't forget to share the joy with loved ones. Happy baking!

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