Cake Recipes

Mississippi Mud Cupcakes

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 (10.5-oz.) bag miniature marshmallows
Chocolate Frosting

Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.

Microwave 1 cup butter and semisweet chocolate in a large microwave-safe glass bowl at high 1 minute or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Whisk sugar and next 5 ingredients into chocolate mixture. Spoon batter evenly into 24 paper-lined muffin cups.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until puffed. Sprinkle evenly with 2 cups miniature marshmallows, and bake 5 more minutes or until golden. Remove from oven, and cool cupcakes in muffin pans 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans, and place on wire rack. Drizzle warm cakes evenly with 1 1/4 cups Chocolate Frosting, and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Reserve remaining 3/4 cup frosting for another use.

Note: To serve remaining Chocolate Frosting over pound cake or ice cream, microwave reserved 3/4 cup Chocolate Frosting in a medium-size microwave-safe glass bowl at high 15 seconds or until warm. Makes 15 servings

Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/3 cup milk
1 (16-oz.) package powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir together first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened; remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Makes about 2 cups

Irish Cream Cake

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups DOMINO Granulated Sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur
Butterscotch Filling
Cream Cheese Frosting
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
14 pecan halves, toasted

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add granulated sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add vanilla extract, beating until blended.

Combine flour and soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Brush cake layers evenly with liqueur. Spread half of Butterscotch Filling between each cake layer; spread Cream Cheese Frosting on top and sides of cake. Gently press chopped pecans onto sides of cake; arrange pecan halves on top. Makes 12 servings

Butterscotch Filling

1/2 cup firmly packed DOMINO Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir together brown sugar and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and mixture is blended. Stir in 1/2 cup milk until blended.

Whisk together remaining milk, flour, and salt; stir into brown sugar mixture, and cook, whisking constantly, over medium heat 5 minutes or until thickened. Gradually add eggs, and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool. Stir in pecans and vanilla. Makes 2 cups

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) package 10-X Confectioners Sugar, unsifted

Beat first 3 ingredients with an electric mixer until creamy. Add confectioners sugar, beating at low speed until blended. Beat at high speed until smooth. Makes 3 cups

Buttery Pound Cake

1 pound butter, softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup milk
Toppings: chocolate sauce and sliced strawberries

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until the yellow disappears after each addition. Add extracts, beating just until blended. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed until combined. Add milk, beating until smooth. Pour batter into a greased and floured 12-cup Bundt pan.

Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack. Serve with desired toppings. Makes 10 to 12 servings

Chocolate Italian Cake

5 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnish: pecan halves

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; set aside. Beat butter and shortening until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla. Fold in egg whites. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch round cakepans.

Bake at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove cake layers to wire racks, and cool completely.

Spread Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Makes 10 to 12 servings

Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Combine powdered sugar and cocoa; gradually add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in pecans. Makes 4 cups

Mocha Chiffon Cake

3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 3/4 cups cake flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Chocolate-Coffee Buttercream Filling
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Garnish: chocolate-covered coffee beans

Stir together first 3 ingredients until blended; cool. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add cocoa mixture, egg yolks, oil, and vanilla; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Fold into batter. Pour batter into 4 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.

Bake, 2 layers at a time, at 325° for 17 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool layers in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool on wire racks covered with plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent layers from adhering to racks.

Spread about 1/2 cup Chocolate-Coffee Buttercream Filling between layers. Frost with Chocolate Fudge Frosting. Garnish, if desired. Store in refrigerator. Makes 1 (9-inch) layer cake

Chocolate-Coffee Buttercream Filling

2/3 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2 teaspoons coffee liqueur*

Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Microwave whipping cream at MEDIUM (50% power) until warm (do not boil). Stir together warm cream and coffee granules until dissolved; cool. Add whipping cream mixture and liqueur to butter mixture, beating until smooth.

Note: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract may be substituted for liqueur. Makes 1 3/4 cups

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup cocoa
6 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add remaining ingredients, beating until smooth.

Note: To a make a torte, cut each cake layer in half horizontally with a serrated knife, and use 1/4 cup Chocolate-Coffee Buttercream Filling between layers. Frost as directed. Makes 3 1/2 cups

Carrot Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrot
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (3 1/2-ounce) can flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Buttermilk Glaze
Cream Cheese Frosting

Line 3 (9-inch) round cakepans with wax paper; lightly grease and flour wax paper. Set pans aside. Stir together first 4 ingredients.

Beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in carrot and next 3 ingredients. Pour batter into prepared cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over layers; cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Makes 1 (9-inch) cake

Buttermilk Glaze

1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Boil, stirring often, 4 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Makes 1 1/2 cups

Cream Cheese Frosting

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Makes 4 cups

Pecan Pie Cake

3 cups finely chopped pecans, toasted and divided
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
Pecan Pie Filling
Pastry Garnish (optional)

Sprinkle 2 cups pecans evenly into 3 generously buttered 9-inch round cakepans; shake to coat bottoms and sides of pans. Beat 1/2 cup butter and shorteningat medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Add flour and baking soda to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in remaining 1 cup finely chopped pecans.

Beat egg whites at medium speed until stiff peaks form; fold one-third of egg whites into batter. Fold in remaining egg whites. (Do not overmix.) Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until done. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Invert layers onto wax paper-lined wire racks. Brush tops andsides of layers with corn syrup, and cool completely.

Spread half of Pecan Pie Filling on 1 layer, pecan side up. Place second layer, pecan side up, on filling; spread with remaining filling. Top with remaining layer, pecan side up. Arrange Pastry Garnish on and around cake, if desired. Makes 1 (3-layer) cake

Pecan Pie Filling

1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup cornstarch
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk together first 6 ingredients in a heavy 3-quart saucepan until smooth. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly; boil 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla extract. Place a sheet of wax paper directly on surface of mixture to prevent a film from forming, and chill 4 hours.

Note: To chill filling quickly, pour filling into a bowl. Place bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Whisk constantly until cool (about 15 minutes). Makes about 3 cups

Pastry Garnish

1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
24 pecan halves

Unfold piecrusts, and press out fold lines. Cut 8 to 10 leaves from each piecrust with a 3-inch leaf-shaped cutter, and mark leaf veins using tip of a knife. Reserve pastry trimmings. Whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water, and brush on pastry leaves.

Crumple 10 to 12 small aluminum foil pieces into 1/2-inch balls. Coat with vegetable cooking spray, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drape a pastry leaf over each ball; place remaining pastry leaves on baking sheet.

Bake at 425° for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Gently remove foil from leaves.

Pinch 12 pea-size pieces from pastry trimmings. Place between pecan halves, forming sandwiches. Cut remaining pastry into 2-inch pieces; wrap around pecan sandwiches, leaving jagged edges to resemble half-shelled pecans. Brush with egg mixture. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until golden. Cool on wire rack. Makes 16 to 20 pastry leaves; 12 pecan pastries

Peanut Butter-Fudge Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Frosting

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan; stir in cocoa. Add water, buttermilk, and eggs, stirring well.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Remove from heat; add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13- x 9-inch baking pan.

Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack. Carefully spread peanut butter over warm cake. Cool completely. Spread Chocolate Frosting over peanut butter; cut into squares. Makes 20 to 25 servings

Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup cocoa
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Pour over powdered sugar in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Makes 2 1/2 cups

Blackberry-Raspberry Truffle Cake

2 (18.25-ounce) packages devil's food cake mix
6 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups water
1 1/4 cups light sour cream
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup seedless blackberry jam
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/4 cup water
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 3 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Garnish: 1/4 cup blackberry and raspberry candies

Beat first 5 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until blended. Grease 3 (9-inch) parchment or wax paper-lined round cakepans. Pour batter evenly into cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and remove paper. Cool completely on wire racks.

Combine chocolate morsels and whipping cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, 10 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Pour into a mixing bowl; cover and chill 1 1/2 hours or until mixture begins to thicken.

Cook jams and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until jam melts. Brush tops of cake layers with jam mixture.

Beat chocolate mixture at medium speed with an electric mixer about 20 seconds or until stiff peaks form. (Do not over beat.)

Place 1 layer, glazed side up, on a cake platter. Spread with half of chocolate mixture. Top with another cake layer, glazed side down; spread with remaining chocolate mixture. Top with remaining cake layer, glazed side down. Secure layers by inserting wooden skewers from the top layer down through the other two layers.

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add whipped topping and vanilla, beating until smooth. Working quickly, frost top and sides of cake with cream cheese mixture. Press pecans around sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Makes 12 to 15 servings

Caramel-Glazed Pear Cake

4 ripe Bartlett pears, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
1 tablespoon sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Caramel Glaze

Toss together pears and 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand 5 minutes. Beat eggs, 2 cups sugar, and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended.

Combine flour, salt, and baking soda, and add to egg mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in pears, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch Bundt pan.

Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Remove from pan, and drizzle Caramel Glaze over warm cake. Makes 12 servings

Caramel Glaze

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
Preparation
Stir together brown sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 1/2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Makes 1 1/2 cups

Honey-Apple Cake

1 cup chopped pecans, divided
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups chopped Golden Delicious apple
Honey Sauce
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan; sprinkle bottom of pan with 1/4 cup pecans. Set aside. Beat sugar, oil, and honey at medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla, remaining 3/4 cup pecans, and apple. Spoon over pecans in pan.

Bake at 350° for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes; remove from pan, and place on a wire rack over wax paper. Pour 1/2 cup Honey Sauce over warm cake. Cool. Heat remaining Honey Sauce; serve with cake and, if desired, ice cream. Makes 1 (10-inch) cake

Honey Sauce

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup milk

Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; boil, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Makes 1 1/2 cups

Double Chocolate Bombe

1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, separated
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
Chocolate Mousse
White Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Ganache
Garnish: chocolate curls

Process pecans in a food processor until ground; set aside. Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add vanilla, beating until blended. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Combine flour, soda, and pecans; add to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour into a well-greased and floured 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan, and cool on wire rack. Line a 3-quart mixing bowl (8 1/2 inches across) with plastic wrap.

Cut cake lengthwise into 2-inch strips; line prepared bowl with cake strips, reserving remainder. Spread Chocolate Mousse over cake in bowl; cover and chill 1 hour.

Pour White Chocolate Mousse into bowl over chocolate layer; cover and chill 1 hour. Cover with remaining strips. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Invert bombe onto a cake plate, and spread with ganache. Garnish, if desired. Makes 8 to 10 servings

Chocolate Mousse

1 cup whipping cream, divided
1 (8-ounce) package semisweet chocolate squares
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook 1/4 cup cream, chocolate, corn syrup, and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until chocolate melts. Cool.

Beat remaining 3/4 cup whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; fold into chocolate mixture. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 cups

White Chocolate Mousse

1/2 cup whipping cream, divided
3 (1-ounce) white chocolate baking squares
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook 2 tablespoons cream, white chocolate, corn syrup, and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Cool.

Beat remaining whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; fold into white chocolate mixture. Makes 1 1/4 cups

Chocolate Ganache

1 (8-ounce) package semisweet chocolate squares
1/4 cup whipping cream

Cook chocolate and cream in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted. Makes 3/4 cup

Spice Cake with Caramel Icing

Cake:
1 pound (1-inch-thick) slices peeled parsnip
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup apple juice
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
Cooking spray

Icing:
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

To prepare cake, preheat oven to 350°. Place the parsnip in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer over medium heat 20 minutes or until tender. Drain.

Place the parsnip, 1 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, 5 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a food processor, and process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. With the processor on, slowly add apple juice through the food chute, processing until well combined. Place the parsnip mixture in a large bowl.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture and 3/4 cup milk alternately to parsnip mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Pour batter into 2 (9-inch) round cake pans lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

To prepare icing, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer until slightly thick (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; beat with a mixer at medium speed until icing is smooth and only slightly warm. (Icing will continue to thicken as it cools.)

Place 1 cake layer on a plate. Working quickly, spread the layer with half of the icing, and top with the remaining layer. Spread the remaining icing over the top layer, and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Cool to room temperature. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator. Makes 18 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

Sour Cream Pound Cake

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (8-oz.) container sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until the yolk disappears.

Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat batter at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in extracts. Pour into a greased and floured 12-cup tube pan.

Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan, and cool completely on wire rack. Makes 10 to 12 servings

Triple-Decker Strawberry Cake

1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Garnish: whole strawberries

Beat the cake mix and next 7 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Scrape down the sides, and beat at medium speed 2 more minutes, stopping to scrape down sides, if needed. (Strawberries should be well blended into batter.) Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 23 minutes or until cakes spring back when lightly pressed with a finger. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

Spread Strawberry Buttercream Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately, or chill up to 1 week. Makes 16 servings

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
2 (16-ounce) packages powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 20 seconds or until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and chopped strawberries, beating at low speed until creamy. (Add more sugar if frosting is too thin, or add strawberries if too thick.) Makes 2 1/2 cups

Decadent Lemon Cake

Lemon Filling
3 1/2 cups cake flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
7 egg whites
White Chocolate Frosting

Prepare Lemon Filling. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1 3/4 cups sugar, beating at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add lemon rind, lemon juice, and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition.

Beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of egg whites into batter. Gently fold in remaining beaten egg whites just until blended. (Do not overmix.) Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 18 to 22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Spread 3/4 cup White Chocolate Frosting between each cake layer; carefully spread 1/2 cup Lemon Filling over White Chocolate Frosting between each cake layer. Spread remaining White Chocolate Frosting on top and sides of cake. Chill until ready to serve. Store in refrigerator. Makes 12 to 15 servings

Lemon Filling

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten

Combine first 6 ingredients in top of a double boiler. Cook over simmering water, stirring constantly, until butter melts. Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot mixture into egg yolks; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over simmering water, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats back of a spoon (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat; cool. Cover and chill. Makes 1 cup

White Chocolate Frosting

2 1/2 (4-ounce) white chocolate baking bars
1 1/2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Melt chocolate in top of a double boiler over simmering water until melted. Remove from heat; let cool. Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add juice and chocolate just until combined. Makes 4 3/4 cups

Almond Angel Food Cake with Crème Anglaise and Macerated Strawberries

Strawberries:
8 cups sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon grated orange rind

Cake:
3/4 cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup sifted cake flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 large egg whites
1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

Crème Anglaise:
2/3 cup sugar
8 large egg yolks
3 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325°. To prepare strawberries, combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill 3 hours.

To prepare cake, place almonds and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Sift together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt into a bowl. Combine the almond mixture with flour mixture, and set aside. Beat egg whites in a large bowl at high speed of a mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the egg white mixture, 1/4 cup at a time; fold in. Fold in almond extract. Spoon the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan, and spread evenly. Bake at 325° for 1 hour or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

While the cake is baking, prepare the crème anglaise. Combine 2/3 cup sugar and yolks in a large saucepan, stirring with a whisk until blended. Gradually add milk to the pan, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook over medium heat until mixture coats the back of a spoon (about 8 minutes), stirring constantly. Immediately pour mixture into a bowl; stir in vanilla. Cover and chill (the mixture will thicken as it cools).

Invert cake pan, and cool for 40 minutes. Loosen cake from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula. Invert cake onto plate. Serve with strawberries and crème anglaise. Makes 16 servings

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrot
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (3 1/2-ounce) can flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Buttermilk Glaze
Cream Cheese Frosting

Line 3 (9-inch) round cakepans with wax paper; lightly grease and flour wax paper. Set pans aside. Stir together first 4 ingredients.

Beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in carrot and next 3 ingredients. Pour batter into prepared cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over layers; cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Makes 1 (9-inch) cake

Buttermilk Glaze

1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Boil, stirring often, 4 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Makes 1 1/2 cups

Cream Cheese Frosting

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Makes 4 cups

Buttery Pound Cake

1 pound butter, softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup milk
Toppings: chocolate sauce and sliced strawberries

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until the yellow disappears after each addition. Add extracts, beating just until blended. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed until combined. Add milk, beating until smooth.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 12-cup Bundt pan. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack. Serve with desired toppings. Makes 10 to 12 servings

Fig Cake

1 3/4 cups fig preserves (a little less than 2 [11.5-ounce] jars)
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 cup finely chopped prunes
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
Honey-Cheese Frosting
1 3/4 cups pecan pieces, toasted (optional)
Garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs

Chop large pieces of fig preserves; set aside.
Beat eggs, sugar, and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients; add to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in fig preserves, 1 cup chopped pecans, prunes, and, if desired, chopped rosemary.

Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 8" round cakepans. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool on wire racks.

Spread Honey-Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Press pecan pieces onto sides of cake, if desired. Garnish, if desired. Store cake in refrigerator. Makes 1 (2-layer) cake

Honey-Cheese Frosting

1 1/2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese, butter, and honey at medium speed with an electric mixer just until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed just until blended. Makes 3 1/2 cups

Chocolate-Bourbon-Pecan Cake

Chocolate Velvet Cake Batter
Bourbon Buttercream Frosting
2 3/4 cups chopped pecans, toasted
1 (4-ounce) semisweet chocolate bar, chopped

Spoon batter evenly into 3 greased and floured 9-inch square pans. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire rack.

Spread Bourbon Buttercream Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake, sprinkling 1/4 cup pecans on top of frosting for each of the layers. Press remaining 2 cups pecans into sides of cake. Sprinkle chopped semisweet chocolate bar over top of cake. Makes 12 servings

Chocolate Velvet Cake Batter

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (16-ounce) package light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
1 cup hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Melt semisweet chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH for 30-second intervals until melted (about 1 1/2 minutes total time). Stir until smooth.
Beat butter and brown sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer, beating about 5 minutes or until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Add melted chocolate, beating just until blended.

Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to chocolate mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Gradually add 1 cup hot water in a slow, steady stream, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla. Use immediately, following directions for desired cake. Makes about 8 1/2 cups

Bourbon Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
2 (16-ounce) packages powdered sugar
1/3 cup bourbon
1/3 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar alternately with bourbon and milk, beating at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Makes about 6 cups

Blackberry-Raspberry Truffle Cake

2 (18.25-ounce) packages devil's food cake mix
6 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups water
1 1/4 cups light sour cream
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup seedless blackberry jam
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/4 cup water
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 3 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Garnish: 1/4 cup blackberry and raspberry candies

Beat first 5 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until blended. Grease 3 (9-inch) parchment or wax paper-lined round cakepans. Pour batter evenly into cakepans.

Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and remove paper. Cool completely on wire racks.

Combine chocolate morsels and whipping cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly, 10 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Pour into a mixing bowl; cover and chill 1 1/2 hours or until mixture begins to thicken.

Cook jams and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until jam melts. Brush tops of cake layers with jam mixture.

Beat chocolate mixture at medium speed with an electric mixer about 20 seconds or until stiff peaks form. (Do not over beat.)

Place 1 layer, glazed side up, on a cake platter. Spread with half of chocolate mixture. Top with another cake layer, glazed side down; spread with remaining chocolate mixture. Top with remaining cake layer, glazed side down. Secure layers by inserting wooden skewers from the top layer down through the other two layers.

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add whipped topping and vanilla, beating until smooth. Working quickly, frost top and sides of cake with cream cheese mixture. Press pecans around sides of cake. Garnish, if desired.

Note: Candies may be found at Cracker Barrel, in the bulk candy aisle of supermarkets. Makes 12 to 15 servings

Orange-Pecan-Spice Pound Cake

2 cups finely chopped pecans, toasted and divided
1 pound butter, softened
3 cups sugar
6 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Orange Syrup
Glazed Pecan Halves (optional)

Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans into a generously buttered 10-inch tube pan; shake to evenly coat bottom and sides of pan. (Excess nuts will fall to bottom of pan. Make certain nuts are in an even layer in bottom of pan.) Set aside.

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Combine flour and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in remaining 3/4 cup pecans, grated orange rind, cinnamon, nutmeg, and next 4 ingredients. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake at 300° for 1 hour and 30 to 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove cake from pan; invert cake, pecan crust-side-up, onto a wire rack.

Brush top and sides of pound cake gently several times with hot Orange Syrup, using a 2-inch-wide pastry brush and allowing the cake to absorb the Orange Syrup after each brushing. (Do not pour syrup over the cake.) Let cake cool completely on wire rack. Arrange Glazed Pecan Halves around top of cake. Makes 10 to 12 servings

Orange Syrup

1 large orange
1 cup sugar

Remove rind from orange with a vegetable peeler, being careful not to get the bitter white pith. Set orange rind aside. Squeeze orange to get 1/2 cup juice.

Combine orange rind, juice, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil 2 minutes. Makes 1 cup

Glazed Pecan Halves

2 cups pecan halves
1/3 cup light corn syrup
Vegetable cooking spray

Combine pecan halves and corn syrup, stirring to coat pecans. Line a 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil; coat with cooking spray. Arrange pecan halves in an even layer in pan.

Bake at 350° for 12 minutes; stir using a rubber spatula. Bake 8 more minutes. Remove from oven, and stir; arrange in an even layer on wax paper, and let cool completely. Makes 2 cups

Lemon Coconut Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup coconut milk (canned or fresh)
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon lemon extract)
1 cup lemon curd
1/3 cup dried cranberries, soaked in 1/4 cup bourbon or brandy, drained
Whipped Cream Frosting
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut (toasted, if desired)

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease and flour 2 (9-inch) cake pans; line bottoms with wax paper, and set aside. Sift together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cream together butter and sugar in a separate large bowl at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition, and beat 2 more minutes or until light and fluffy.

Stir together buttermilk and next 3 ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix flour and milk mixtures alternately into egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture, scraping down the side of the bowl between each addition. (Be careful not to overmix.)

Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans, and gently smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until cakes have risen and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove cakes from oven, and cool for 15 minutes in pans on a cooling rack. Turn cakes out of pans onto rack, and let cool completely before frosting.

Place 1 layer on a cake plate with the flat (bottom) side up. Spread lemon curd evenly over cake. Sprinkle cranberries evenly over lemon curd. Spread 1 cup Whipped Cream Frosting over lemon curd and cranberries, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut. Top with second layer, and spread the top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Press remaining coconut evenly around cake. Makes: 1 (9-inch) cake, serves: 10 to 12

Whipped Cream Frosting

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons water
3 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Sprinkle gelatin over 3 tablespoons water in a measuring cup, and let stand until gelatin softens. Microwave on HIGH for 10 seconds; stir until gelatin dissolves. Cool 2 to 3 minutes. (Gelatin must be liquid but not warm.)

Beat cream in a large bowl at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, and continue to whip until you can see streaks holding their shape in the bowl.

Add cooled gelatin in a slow, steady stream while beating. Add vanilla, and beat to stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready to use, or frost cake and refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 3 cups (enough to frost a 9-inch layer cake)

Caramel Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

3 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups light brown sugar, divided
1 1/4 cups butter, softened and divided
6 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnish: Pecan Praline

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans; line with lightly greased parchment or wax paper. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Place 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 5 minutes or until well blended.

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Add flour mixture and 1 cup milk alternately to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating at low speed after each addition.

Pour into prepared pans; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire rack. Place 1 layer on a cake plate.

Combine 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, evaporated milk, and 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cook (without stirring) until a candy thermometer registers 238°. Transfer to a heat-resistant bowl, and beat 3 minutes or until thickened and easy to spread. Quickly spread filling over cake layer on plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; chill 15 minutes or until set.

Spread a thin layer of Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting over filling. Top with second layer. Frost cake. Chill 20 minutes or until frosting sets, then cover and chill 4 hours or overnight. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature before serving. Garnish, if desired. Makes 1 (9-inch) 2-layer cake

Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 cup light brown sugar
10 tablespoon butter, divided
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of salt
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Melt brown sugar and 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil over medium heat; remove from heat. Whisk in cream; blend well. Transfer to a heat-resistant bowl. Cool at room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Place remaining 6 tablespoons butter and cream cheese in a large bowl; beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla and salt. With mixer running, slowly pour in cooled brown sugar mixture; beat until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition until completely smooth. Chill slightly for a firmer texture, stirring occasionally.

Pecan Praline

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small skillet over medium-high heat; cook (without stirring) until golden. Stir in pecans; remove from heat. Rapidly spread mixture onto greased foil. Cool completely. Break into small pieces; store in an airtight container up to 1 week.