Fresh Applesauce |
This week’s Baked Sunday Mornings challenge is for this incredibly flavorful Caramel Apple Cake. The spiced cake is infused with homemade applesauce – for this, I used Gala Apples. I found a couple of problems with this part of the recipe; besides a nice discussion about the variety of apples available in New York, there is no recommendation about what kind of apples to use. The other problem I had was although the recipe calls for 4 cups of applesauce, it doesn’t say how many apples to use. I used 12 and had more than enough – 10 would probably be just right.
Caramel Sauce in the making |
The cake is dense, moist and flavorful. The Caramel Buttercream is one of the best frostings I’ve ever tasted – and I’m excited to have left-over Caramel Sauce! I think this cake captures the essence of autumn – John & I both thought it would be a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving.
This recipe had many elements:
Applesauce
Caramel Sauce
Cake
Cooked Buttercream
Cakes – Fresh from the oven |
This cake took time to put together, but only one step was difficult – making the Buttercream. This is the third time I’ve made Buttercream using the Baked method. I’ve been successful twice, and unsuccessful once, but I’m never quite sure I have it right. This caramel version tastes incredible.
I have to confess to not letting the cake cool completely before frosting it so it looks a little cock-eyed, but it still tastes delicious!
This cake is definitely a winner in our book!
Malibu Beach House – La Piedra Beach |
Candy says
Your cake looks beautiful!
I had the same complaint about not suggesting types of apples to use for the applesauce. I agree that the caramel buttercream is delicious but I am still working on getting their buttercream technique down.
Bourbonnatrix says
Good for you making your own applesauce! The apple sauce I was counting on to make this recipe was bad when I opened it, so I made my husband go to the store instead of making my own… So lazy! Glad you enjoyed the cake! We loved it too!
Chaya says
Your cake is quite impressive.
Sheri says
I missed out this weekend but will need to make this cake just for the buttercream!
kyleen says
I didn’t get around to making the cake for BAKED Sunday Mornings this week, but yours looks delicious. The caramel sauce looks divine!
Pacheco Patty says
I’ve been thinking about baking with apples all weekend- this cake looks over the top good!
Kris' Kitchen says
Very nice! I was in too big a hurry so my frosting flopped, big time. But the cake is really good…much better than my “old” applesauce cake recipe. I have a problem with instructions for several of the “baked” recipes. Especially when my girls, who are less experienced bakers, want to cook along and the write-up is vague. Words like until you reach the “proper consistency” really get us going. I did this frosting once before with success, so I think I just need to take time, let things cool, move out of hot AZ so everything doesn’t melt, and I’ll be fine. Seriously, your cake makes me want to try again. This cake really is a good recipe.
Lizzy says
Oh, how yummy! And I love your decorating technique. I passed as I would have to eat this whole 3 layer cake myself…but I may have to find an excuse to whip this one up for some friends instead of family. I love the idea of homemade applesauce…I’d love to leave it a little chunky and find bits of apple in the cake…mmmmmm.
And thanks for leaving such a sweet comment on my blog. It touched my heart~xoxo
Kathy says
Susan, Such a beautiful cake…I really wanted to make this but, was visiting my daughter and family for the weekend. I will have to give this a try another time. My husband has been on South Beach, so I hate to tempt him by baking cakes! Great job!
Elane says
I’m so sorry that I missed your post this Sunday! I am not on Facebook and can’t link there and since the leave your link wasn’t up on Blogger I wasn’t sure who posted…anyway, your cake looks fabulous Susan! I also get a little frustrated with the lack of directions in the book, but somehow for the most part the recipes turn out except I had a problem with the icing. Yours looks great and your web decoration is so pretty.
Elaine says
Susan, it is Elaine, not Elane. My ‘i’ keeps sticking on my keyboard. *sigh*
Sis. Boom. says
I am trying not to find any more yummy things to put on my baking list so I can lay off the sweets around here but this… I can’t resist it.