Recipe: Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (three layers)

FRESH APPLE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

FOR THE CAKE:
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted before measuring
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups finely chopped, pared tart apple
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pecans, divided use
1 tsp grated lemon rind
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 eggs
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1 lb powdered sugar

TO MAKE THE CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease well and flour 3 (9x1 1/2-inch) round layer-cake pans.

Sift flour with baking soda and salt; set aside.

In small bowl, combine chopped apple, 1/2 cup chopped nuts and the lemon rind; set aside.

In large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, salad oil and eggs; beat well with wooden spoon. Add sifted dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Add apple mixture; stir until well combined. Spread evenly into prepared
pans.

Bake 30 - 40 min or until cake tests done. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool thoroughly on wire racks.

Meanwhile, make Cream Cheese Frosting. Fill and frost cake as pictured. Press remaining 1 cup nuts on side. Refrigerate until serving time.

TO MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
In medium bowl, with portable electric mixer at medium speed, beat cheese, butter and vanilla until light and creamy. Add powdered sugar; beat until of spreading consistency. (Makes 2 1/2 cups)

Source: Magazine Clipping