apple dapple dream

Apparently the apple industry is pretty big in NY, which is convenient for me, 'cause I kinda like apples. However, what I really like is apples ensconced in moist cake and topped with a rich, buttery caramel glaze.


Other than the apple chopping, this apple cake is extremely quick and easy. Travesty of travesties, there was no cinnamon in the original recipe. After picking myself up off the floor from my initial shock (whoever heard of an apple dessert without cinnamon?), I quickly remedied the situation and dumped in two heaping teaspoons.


Did I mention that this is a moist cake? It's already moist from the applesauce, and then the glaze, having seeped into every pore, just serves to make it that much more moist. Glorious is what it is. Glorious and mouth-watering and I'll-rip-the-door-off-the-oven-if-it's-not-done-soon aromatic. In other words, it's delicious. Mmmkay?


Apple Dapple Cake
Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 cups finely chopped apples

Glaze:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Add the wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Stir in apples.
Spread the batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
For the glaze, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan. Cook and stir until bubbly and all of the sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly. Drizzle warm over cake when it has cooled for 5 minutes, so it can seep into the cake and keep it moist and completely irresistible.


And by the way, here's to a prosperous and joyful 2009.