Golden Pumpkin And Apricot Layer Cake Recipes

APRICOT PURéE

Steps:

• Stir all ingredients in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers. Cover and cook until apricots soften, about 6 minutes; cool. Transfer mixture to processor and puree until almost smooth (some apricot bits will remain). Refrigerate. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead.)

APRICOT-FILLED PUMPKIN CAKE WITH BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Grease 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with shortening or cooking spray; lightly flour. (Do not use dark or nonstick pan.)
• In small bowl, mix all filling ingredients except apricots with fork until fine crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped apricots; set aside.
• In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger and salt; set aside.
• In large bowl, beat 1 cup butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pumpkin. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until blended.
• Spread 3 cups of the batter in pan. With back of spoon, make 1/2-inch-deep tunnel in middle of batter. Spoon filling into tunnel, making sure filling does not touch side of pan. Top with remaining batter, making sure batter layer touches side of pan.
• Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean and top is golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, until light golden brown; cool slightly. Stir in powdered sugar. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the milk until smooth. Add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency. Spoon frosting over cake, letting some run down sides of cake. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped apricots.