Ingredients for Apple Pecan Layer Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- apple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 teaspoons apple cider (plus more as needed)
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How to Make Apple Pecan Layer Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
- Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- **Brown Butter Icing:**
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter turns a light golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat together 4 cups powdered sugar, 4 teaspoons apple cider, and the cooled brown butter until smooth and creamy. Add more apple cider, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of icing. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
16 g
Sugar
311g
Fat
36g
Carbs
35g
