WILLIAM TELL'S NEVER-MISS APPLE CAKE

William Tell's Never-Miss Apple Cake image

Provided by Judy Dahman

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 20

8 oz philadelphia cream cheese, softened
2 c sugar
4 eggs
1 c canola oil
2 c all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon, ground
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 c apples, peeled and chopped
1 c carrots, shredded
1/2 c pecans, chopped (optional)
PRALINE ICING
1/2 c light brown sugar, packed
1/4 c butter, softened
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 c confectioner's sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 c pecans, chopped and toasted (optional)
1/4 c coconut, flaked and sweetened (optional)

Steps:

1. In small bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 egg; set aside.
2. In large bowl, beat oil with remaining sugar and eggs until well blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into oil mixture until blended. Stir in apples, carrots and pecans, if desired.
3. Transfer half of apple batter to greased and floured 10" fluted tube pan; layer with cream cheese mixture and remaining apple batter.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack to cool completely.
5. In large saucepan, bring brown sugar, butter and milk to boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat; whisk in confectioner's sugar and vanilla until smooth. Immediately drizzle over cake. Sprinkle with pecans and/or coconut, if desired, before icing sets up.