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Maple Bacon Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Cheesecake Layer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

This Apple Cake combines a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring tender applesauce-infused cake layers with crispy bacon bits both inside the cake and in the rich cream cheese frosting. Layered with a creamy refrigerator cheesecake layer and finished with a maple-bacon cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked crisp
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chunky applesauce
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cheesecake Layer

  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked crisp and chopped finely

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook and Prepare Bacon: Cook 1 pound of bacon (reserve 1/2 pound for the cake and 1/2 pound for the frosting) until crispy using your preferred method. Drain on paper towels and pat dry. Chop into pieces, then finely dice in a food processor.
  3. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir in half of the chopped bacon. Mix until just combined; do not over-mix to keep the cake tender.
  4. Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 37-45 minutes, checking with a toothpick after 40 minutes; it should come out clean when done. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 30 to 60 minutes.
  5. Remove and Level Cake Layers: Run a knife around the edges to loosen the layers, then carefully remove them from the pans. Use a cake leveler to trim the domed tops to create flat surfaces. Save the trimmed cake tops for another use like cake pops or truffles.
  6. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add maple syrup and mix well. In a separate bowl or stand mixer, whip heavy cream until thick and soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
  7. Chill Cheesecake: Spray a 9-inch cake pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour the cheesecake batter in evenly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. For easier handling during assembly, freeze for 20 minutes before use.
  8. Make Frosting: Beat together unsalted butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired frosting consistency is reached. Mix in maple syrup and the remaining chopped bacon evenly.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer top side down on a cake plate. Spread a small amount of frosting on top. Add the chilled cheesecake layer and scrape off any excess around the edges to align evenly. Add more frosting over the cheesecake layer, then top with the second cake layer, top side down. Finish frosting the entire cake as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the bacon used in the cake and frosting is crisp for contrast in texture and flavor.
  • Letting the cake layers cool sufficiently before removing from pans helps prevent breaking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like cream cheese and butter to achieve smooth frostings.
  • The cheesecake layer needs adequate refrigeration time to set fully, plan ahead for best results.
  • Leftover cake trims can be repurposed into delightful cake pops or truffles.

Keywords: apple cake, bacon cake, cream cheese frosting, cheesecake layer, maple syrup dessert, cinnamon cake, unique cake recipe

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/maple-bacon-apple-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-and-cheesecake-layer-recipe/