Paula Deens Caramel Apple Nut Pound Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup granny smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 large)
1 cup walnuts, chopped
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package pudding mix, instant butterscotch flavored
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter
2 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325\u00b0F degrees. Spray 15 cup fluted pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.
In a medium bowl, combine apples, walnuts and 1/4 cup flour.
In a large bowl, beat 2 cups butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Reduce speed to low. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Increase speed to high, and add 1 teaspoon vanilla, beat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until mixture is fluffy. Reduce speed to low, and add pudding mix and soup; beat for 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and beat for 1 minute longer.
In a medium bowl, sift remaining 3 cups flour and baking powder together. Gradually add to butter mixture, and beat until mixture is well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in apple mixture.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Drop pan lightly on counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack. Place wire rack over a large piece of aluminum foil.
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in dark brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add cream, stirring constantly until combined. Pour mixture over cooled cake.