Apple Pecan Layer Cake Recipe

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
• 4 teaspoons apple cider (plus more as needed)

How to Make Apple Pecan Layer Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. 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.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Stir in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
7. Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans.
8. Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. **Brown Butter Icing:**
12. 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).
13. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
14. 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.
15. 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.