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pple Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

pple Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Old Fashioned Caramel Apple Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting is a moist, fluffy vanilla cake infused with maple syrup, spiced apple cider, and apple butter. Each layer is generously frosted with a rich, fudgy chocolate frosting and topped with a glossy, caramel-infused brown sugar icing. This cake captures the essence of caramel apples with a perfect balance of apple, chocolate, and caramel flavors, making it a nostalgic and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup apple butter
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips (from cake ingredients)
  • 1 cup sour cream (from cake ingredients)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, from cake ingredients)

Brown Sugar Caramel Icing:

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 2–3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: caramel pieces and/or sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pans and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and apple butter, mixing until fully combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while streaming in the apple cider, mixing just until combined to keep the batter light.
  3. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is just set. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges and invert each cake onto a plate, followed by flipping them right side up onto serving plates. Let them cool completely.
  4. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: Microwave the semi sweet chocolate chips with a pinch of salt in short 45-second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the sour cream a spoonful at a time along with optional espresso powder until the frosting is creamy and well combined. Spread this frosting over the top of one cake layer in a swirling motion.
  5. Assemble Cake Layers: Carefully place the second cake layer over the frosted first layer. Clean any excess frosting from the edges with a knife for a neat finish. Chill the assembled cake briefly while preparing the caramel icing.
  6. Make Brown Sugar Caramel Icing: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter with the dark brown sugar and milk or heavy cream over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt. Transfer this warm caramel mixture to a mixing bowl and gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the icing is glossy, smooth, and pourable.
  7. Finish the Cake: Pour the brown sugar caramel icing over the top of the chilled cake, spreading it evenly around the sides as well. The icing will quickly set as it cools. Optionally, garnish with caramel pieces and a sprinkle of sea salt for extra texture and flavor. Slice and enjoy your decadent caramel apple butter cake!

Notes

  • If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor in the chocolate frosting, definitely add the espresso powder; it enhances the richness of the chocolate.
  • Apple cider can be substituted with fresh apple juice if desired, but cider adds a lovely spiced note.
  • The brown sugar caramel icing sets quickly, so pour and spread it promptly for the best finish.
  • Ensure all cold ingredients like eggs and butter are brought to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and even batter.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, adjusting as needed.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cake, apple butter cake, chocolate frosting cake, caramel apple dessert, spiced apple cake

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/pple-butter-cake-with-chocolate-frosting-recipe/