Thursday, August 4, 2016

Toasted Pecan Caramel Apple Layer Cake

By: The Food Hunter

Who says caramel apples are just for fall? This delicious spiced cake, is super moist from the applesauce baked in the batter and extra tasty from the toasted Pearson Farm pecans mixed throughout. Serve it at your next summer event and you will instantly be reminded that cooler fall weather is just around the corner.



Toasted Pecan Caramel Apple Layer Cake
 (printable recipe)

For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 1/2 cups Pearson Farm chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease two 9 inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, grease and flour the parchment, tapping out any excess flour.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice and cloves.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until creamy, about 4 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time and beat until combined.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture to the bowl in three parts, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with flour. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl after each addition.

Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and tap lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and cool for 20 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto the rack, remove the parchment, and allow to cool completely.

Trim the top of each layer to create flat surfaces. Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread with 1/2 of the buttercream. Place in freezer or refrigerator for at least 10 minutes. Top with a thin layer of caramel sauce and toasted pecans.

Add the top cake layer and frost with the remaining buttercream. Refrigerate again before adding a layer of caramel sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining toasted pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.


For the Caramel Buttercream:

3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons heavy cream
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel

In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar and flour together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking until the mixtures comes to a boil and has thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter and vanilla and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to high and continue mixing until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the caramel sauce and mix again. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes before using.


For the Caramel:
1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature

Add the sugar to a large heavy saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, whisking. The sugar will begin to form clumps as it starts to melt. Stop whisking once it has completely melted.

Continue cooking until the sugar has reached 350 degrees F. This can happen quickly so be careful.

As soon as the caramel reaches temperature, add the butter all at once and whisk until completely melted. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly pour the cream into the caramel and whisk until it is all incorporated.

Set aside to cool for at least 15 minutes before using.


I have an ongoing relationship with Pearson Farms and  receive product and/or compensation for posts featuring their items. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

17 comments:

  1. DECADENT!!
    This looks SO delicious and what a special dessert to have in mind for a celebration! Love Pecans!!

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  2. That is absolutely gorgeous and so tempting!!!

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  3. Bring on the fall flavors with this gorgeous cake!

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  4. Oooh yum. I'm a massive pecan slice fan so this looks right up my alley. Love the mix of flavours, spices and textures, it sounds like a slice of heaven! :D

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  5. Holy caramel this looks amazing! I just gained 5 pounds and i don't even care haha

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  6. This cake looks amazing. So much going on here. Love the caramel buttercream, yum!

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  7. Oh, this looks delicious! Apple cakes are a favorite in my family (I still make the Hubba Hubba Apple cake often) - another one to try. :)

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  8. I adore pecans! This cake looks so delicious.

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  9. I adore pecans! This cake looks so delicious.

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  10. Look at that gorgeous caramel glaze! This cake looks phenomenal. I definitely won't be able to wait until fall to give it a try.

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  11. Oh goodness this sounds amazing! My hubby would love to see this in our kitchen sometime soon!

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  12. Whoa! This CAKE! I want this for dessert ASAP!

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  13. oh my! That is one stunning cake!!

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  14. Your gorgeous cake will be my feature at this week's Let's Get Real Weekly Link Party on Thursday Nov. 3rd. I can't wait to see what you link up this week.

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