Hear Me Out Cake Twist (Print)

Vanilla layers with apple compote and maple cream cheese. A festive dessert that celebrates autumn flavors.

# Components:

→ Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

→ Spiced Apple Compote

10 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
11 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
15 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the surfaces. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until apples are soft and mixture turns syrupy. Let cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until fluffy and well combined.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with one third of the frosting and half the apple compote. Repeat with the second layer. Top with final cake layer and frost the top and sides. Decorate with remaining apple compote or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
11 - Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean layers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to source ingredients already in your pantry
  • Takes just over an hour from start to finish
  • Looks impressive but is simple to assemble even for home bakers
  • Moist and flavorful with layers of spice apple and creamy frosting
  • Covers all occasions from birthdays to festive fall gatherings
02 -
  • High in fiber thanks to apples
  • Great make-ahead dessert for parties
  • Customizable for different fruits or flavors
03 -
  • Always use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and even baking
  • Do not rush cooling the layers A little patience means sturdy stacks
  • Taste your apples before cooking in the compote The sweeter and juicier they are the better your filling will be

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