Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Prepare (3) 9" inch cake pans by greasing with shortening or butter and then flouring until sides and bottom are coated. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add your: eggs, sugar, vanilla, bourbon and orange zest.
4. Mix on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale in color and fluffy.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk your dry ingredients then slowly add to your egg mixture on low speed until fully combined.
6. Finally, add your oil, yogurt and apple cider and mix for another 2-3 minutes on high until fully combined. Be sure to scrape sides of mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
7. Pour your batter in prepared 9" cake pans evenly.
8. Bake in upper 3rd of your oven for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Once cakes are done, remove from oven and allow to cool on cooling rack. *

Apples:

1. Peel and slice your apples into thin slices.
2. In a heavy bottomed skillet, add your butter and then your apples on medium-heat.
3. Allow apples to begin to brown and caramelize for 2-3 minutes
4. Next add your brown sugar and cinnamon and continue to cook until tender and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool.*

Whipped Cream:

1. Prepare whipped cream before assembling to serve cake.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, pour your heavy cream and turn on high speed.
3. Allow whipping cream to come to stiff peaks about 5 minutes, use to assemble cake.

Layer Cake:

1. On a cake plate or stand begin assembling your cake.
2. First place one cake layer down.
3. Top with a spread of whipped cream, then caramel (optional) and finally some cooked apples
4. Continue with the next 2 layers.
5. Serve immediately.*