Caramel-Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 3/4 cups cake flour, plus extra for dusting
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup high-quality caramel sauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, more as needed

Apple Filling

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup chopped peeled apple
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Streusel Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions

Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper, and dust lightly with flour.
2. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt three times in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-low speed until foamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup of sugar and continue until soft peaks form.
4. In another bowl, cream together butter and remaining 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk until combined. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake 35-40 minutes until tops spring back when touched. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Level the cake tops with a bread knife if necessary. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and freeze at least 2 hours for easier stacking and frosting.

Frosting

1. Using clean beaters, mix cream cheese and butter on medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Add caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached for spreading.

Apple Filling

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped apples and brown sugar.
2. Cook, stirring, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Streusel Topping

1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in almonds.
3. Spread mixture on cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown. Cool completely.

Assembly

1. Unwrap cake layers and place one on a serving platter. Spread 1/2 cup frosting evenly over the layer.
2. Top with apple filling, spreading evenly. Place the second cake layer on top.
3. Spread 1/2 cup frosting on the top layer and the remaining frosting on the sides.
4. Sprinkle the cooled streusel topping over the cake for a crunchy, sweet finish.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 547
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 59mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Carbohydrates: 84g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 63g
• Protein: 5g
• Calcium: 120mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Potassium: 113mg
• Vitamin C: 0mg

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual daily values may vary.