Category
Fall Favorites, Holiday Favorites, Make Ahead
Servings
12
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45-50 minutes
This is an old-fashioned cake, but updated with the addition of bourbon. When you add the bourbon to shredded apples, apple sauce, and apple pie spice, magic happens. The depth of flavor created is truly sensational. If you add a splash of bourbon to cream cheese frosting, this wouldn't hurt!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large eggs
1 cup canola oil
1 3/4 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated apple
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cake
For the Frosting:
Directions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 3 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice. Set aside
In a second bowl lightly beat the eggs. Add in the oil, brown sugar, apple sauce and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine, then add to the dry ingredients.
Fold in the grated apple, mixing well to combine. Spread batter into prepared pan. Give the pan one sharp tap (on the counter lined with a dish towel to prevent breaking) to remove any air bubbles.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 4 minutes
Add in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, salt and remaining 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice. Beat on low until all ingredients are combined, then switch to high for 3 minutes.
Spread frosting on the cake.
Recipe Note
Be sure to wring out the shredded apple in a kitchen bowl to remove excess juice. Excess juice will make for a soggy cake.
