Apple Walnut Cake with Caramel Butter Frosting

Ingredients...

- 3 cups all-purpose flour (can replace 1 cup white flour with wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts



How to...

1. Spray two 9" cake pans with nonstick pan spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt; set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, apples, and walnuts; stir to combine. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or large spatula to incorporate all dry ingredients.

4.Transfer batter to prepared pans and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center tests clean. Remove pans to rack for 10 minutes; de-pan cakes and let cool completely before frosting or freezing.



Caramel Butter Frosting

-1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 stick (4 oz) butter
- ¼ cup milk, cream, or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1. Combine brown sugar, butter, and milk or cream in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let cook for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool until the caramel is just slightly warm.

2.Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat in confectioners’ sugar ½ cup at a time until desired consistency is reached. Frost cake layer(s) with a small offset spatula, swirling frosting in a smooth motion. If frosting hardens too quickly, place over low heat on stove (or in microwave for a few seconds) until it softens.

If desired, add sprinkles or decorations immediately after spreading as this frosting will set up quickly.