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### Caramelized Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Almonds: A Fall Favorite That Will Melt in Your Mouth
The cake itself is soft, moist, and infused with the natural sweetness and tartness of **caramelized apples**, which provide depth and flavor with every bite. Topped with a velvety **cream cheese frosting** and a crunchy sprinkle of **toasted almonds**, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a dinner party, or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to steal the spotlight.
Let’s dive into how you can create this stunning cake that’s guaranteed to impress both with its flavor and its beautiful presentation!
### Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Apple Cake
– **Moist and Flavorful**: The **caramelized apples** add natural sweetness and moisture, making every bite soft and rich.
– **Perfectly Balanced**: The **cream cheese frosting** is slightly tangy, which balances out the sweetness of the cake and apples. The **toasted almonds** add a delicious crunch and nuttiness that brings the whole dessert together.
– **Seasonal Goodness**: This cake brings together the **warm flavors of fall**, with apples, cinnamon, and a rich, comforting frosting.
– **Impressive Presentation**: This cake not only tastes amazing, but it also looks beautiful, with the caramelized apples arranged on top and the toasted almonds adding a touch of elegance.
### Ingredients for Caramelized Apple Cake
#### For the Cake:
– **2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon baking soda**
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
– **1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **3/4 cup unsalted butter**, softened
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **3 large eggs**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1/2 cup whole milk** (or buttermilk for extra richness)
– **1/2 cup apple sauce** (optional, for added moisture and apple flavor)
#### For the Topping:
– **1/4 cup sliced almonds**, toasted (for crunch and flavor)
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#### 1. **Prepare the Caramelized Apples**:
– In a large skillet, melt **1/4 cup of butter** over medium heat. Add the **apple slices**, **brown sugar**, **cinnamon**, and a **pinch of salt**. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and golden, and the sugar has turned into a rich caramel sauce (about 8-10 minutes).
– Once caramelized, set the apples aside to cool slightly. You’ll be using these to layer on top of the cake later.
#### 2. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans**:
– Preheat your **oven to 350°F (175°C)**.
– Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or you can line them with parchment paper for easier removal).
4. **Assemble and Bake the Cake**:
– Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
– Bake in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.