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1
Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides.
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2
Dust pans with flour.
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3
Sift first 6 ingredients into medium bowl.
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4
Blend Apricot Puree, pumpkin and buttermilk in small bowl.
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5
Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy.
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6
Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended.
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7
Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
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8
Mix in vanilla.
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9
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with pumpkin mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
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10
Divide batter equally among prepared pans.
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11
Smooth tops.
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12
Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes (cakes will not rise to tops of pans).
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13
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl until fluffy.
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14
Add Apricot Puree, pumpkin and spices and beat until blended.
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15
Cut around pan sides to loosen cakes.
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16
Turn out cakes.
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17
Place 1 cake layer on platter.
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18
Spread 1 cup frosting over.
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19
Top with second cake layer.
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20
Spread 1 cup frosting over.
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21
Top with third cake layer.
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22
Spread remaining frosting over sides and top of cake.
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23
Garnish with dried apricot cutouts, if desired.
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24
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
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25
Cover with cake dome and refrigerate.
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26
Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.)