Apple-Spice Layer Cake with Caramel Swirl Icing

This Apple-Spice Layer Cake with Caramel Swirl Icing is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings. The moist and flavorful cake, made with chopped apples and a blend of warm spices, is sure to please any palate. The addition of caramel sauce to the icing adds a rich and decadent touch that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the icing, combine the caramel sauce, confectioners’ sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Beat until smooth.
Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of icing over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
Spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake.
Serve and enjoy!