Apple-Spice Layer Cake

Name: Apple-Spice Layer Cake
Yield: makes one 6-inch layer cake
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup sugar; 1 1/2 pounds (about 4) McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans; 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup honey; 4 large eggs; Creamy Goat Cheese Frosting (recipe follows); Caramelized Lady Apples, for garnish (recipe follows; optional); 12 ounces fresh goat cheese, room temperature; 6 ounces whipped cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; (makes enough for one 6-inch layer cake); 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon unsalted butter; 2 lady apples, halved; (makes enough for one 6-inch layer cake)

January 24, 2012

The applesauce in this cake makes it exceptionally moist. Although homemade applesauce is best, you could also substitute an all-natural store-bought variety. If you would prefer a larger cake, prepare the batter as directed and bake in two nine-inch pans for forty to forty-five minutes.

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