Fresh Made From Scratch Apple Cake With Homemade Caramel Frosting

Fresh Made From Scratch Apple Cake With Homemade Caramel Frosting:

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

3 cups finely chopped or shredded apples (I used a cheese grater and it worked very well)

 

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick)

1 cup brown sugar

3 to 5 teaspoons milk

1 box (about 4 cups) confectioners' sugar

 

Directions:

Measure vegetable oil into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, vanilla,and eggs.

Beat on low til creamy.

Sift flour and measure. Sift again and add salt, soda, and baking powder.

Add a small amount of the flour mixture at a time into the creamed mixture.

Beat very well after each addition.

Batter will be very thick at this point, but don't worry that's normal!

When all flour has been incorporated into batter, fold in pecans and chopped apples with a wooden spoon. (at this point you will see the batter loosen up and look more like "regular" cake batter)

Spread batter evenly into a 9x13 greased pan or you can divide into two round 9 inch pans with greased wax paper in the bottom of the pan. (I decided do the layered cake)

Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted into middle of cake comes out clean.

Let the cake(s) cool for about 5 minutes in the pan(s).

Very carefully loosen the edges of the cake to be sure it doesn't stick to the sides, then remove cake from pan and allow to cool completely before frosting.

 

Directions For Frosting:

Cook butter and sugar together until well blended and the sugar has dissolved. 

Add 3 tablespoons of milk and the confectioners' sugar.

Beat and add just enough milk to be able to spread the frosting.

You don't want too much milk because it will make the frosting runny and it will not stay on the cake.