VANILLA APPLE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• CAKE:.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a 10-inch springform cake pan with parchment lined bottom and set aside.
• Placed prepared apples in a bowl and pour brandy over the apples.
• Sift the flour, cinnamon, cloves and baking powder, and set aside.
• Strip the vanilla seeds from the bean, then place the seeds, pod and butter into a small saucepan.
• Cook over low heat until the butter turns brown it will take on a nutty smell and will have an intense vanilla flavor.
• Remove the vanilla bean and let cool to room temperature.
• Separate the eggs and whip the yolks with the vanilla extract and salt. When the egg yolks start to change color and start to get fluffy, add 3/4 cup of the sugar and continue to whip until light in color.
• Fold in the butter mixture, then fold in the sifted flour mixture (the batter will be thick).
• Fold in apples and Brandy.
• Whip the egg whites until fluffy, then add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and continue to whip until stiff.
• Fold the whites into the cake batter in thirds.
• When well mixed, pour into the cake pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool on a wire rack.
• When cool, run a butter knife around the edge to loosen then turn out onto a plate and top with vanilla cream cheese frosting.
• FROSTING:.
• Place the unsalted butter, vanilla seeds and the powdered sugar in the mixer with the paddle attachment (if available).
• Beat until soft and well creamed.
• Add the cream cheese and continue to mix until well combined.
• Spread on top of the cooled cake. Refrigerate the cake until the frosting is firm, about 30 minutes.