Here’s a Milk Bar-inspired Apple Pie Layer Cake recipe, designed to capture the essence of Milk Bar’s famous apple pie cake, featuring layers of spiced cake, apple pie filling, and a buttery streusel topping. This recipe replicates the sweet, spiced flavors and unique texture that Milk Bar is known for.
Apple Pie Layer Cake Recipe (Milk Bar Copycat)
Ingredients:
For the Apple Pie Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150g) peeled and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 cups (300g) peeled and diced apples
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed for consistency)
For Decoration:
- Extra streusel topping
- Additional apple pie filling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the streusel mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Allow to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Apple Pie Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Beat in the vanilla extract. Add heavy cream or milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on your serving plate.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Add a layer of apple pie filling and a sprinkle of streusel topping.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with frosting, apple pie filling, and streusel.
- Add the final cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
6. Decorate and Serve:
- Garnish the top of the cake with additional streusel topping and extra apple pie filling if desired.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
This Apple Pie Layer Cake combines the best elements of apple pie and layer cake into one delicious dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress with a unique and indulgent treat!