A Piece of Cake

I found this recipe here : http://asoutherngrace.blogspot.com/2010/05/cake-mix-kick.html

I am usually kind of a cake snob and try not to use mixes, but this recipe looked awesome so I gave it a try. It was well worth the boxed mix. A truly decadent cake :)

Spice Cake with Apple Butter Filling and Caramel Frosting

Cake:
1 box spice cake mix
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon maple flavoring

Filling:
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 cups apple butter
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pecans, chopped

Frosting:
8 tablespoons butter
1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
1/4 cup milk
2-3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make the cake:
Preheat oven to 350F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Combine cake ingredients in a large bowl and beat until well-incorporated. Divide among the two prepared pans and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the toothpick test is passed. Let the layers cool for 10 minutes in the pans and then carefully remove them onto cooling racks until they become completely cooled.

Make the filling:
Beat the egg in a small bowl until it becomes lemon-colored. Add the milk and blend well. In a separate bowl, heat the apple butter over medium heat until it becomes bubbly. Temper in the egg mixture and then heat the filling another 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens. Add in the butter and stir until it melts. Stir in the walnuts and let cool.

Assemble cake:
Transfer one layer to a plate or cake stand and spread the filling on top. Top with the remaining layer and set cake aside.

Make frosting:
Beat the butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the milk and maple flavoring. Continue beating while adding the powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until frosting is to desired consistency. Frost away!