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17 November 2012

Apple Spice Cake

(adapted from Gourmet.com)

Greetings Loyal Readers,

As you know, I recently made a rather large batch (about 5 pounds) of homemade applesauce in my dear crockpot, Crocky. It was so delicious that I couldn't bear to consume it in just one format. Luckily enough, my good friend and neighbor, Danny, happened to be celebrating his 24th birthday just as my curiosity about potential applesauce derivatives peaked. By golly, he was in need of a cake!




I've often wondered what it would be like to compete on a stress-laden cooking show like Cupcake Wars or Iron Chef. I got my first taste with this cake, having only about 50 minutes to bake the cake and leave for the birthday dinner. While I personally prefer a more meandering style in the kitchen, I want you to know that this cake can be made in a jiffy, in case you too find yourself needing an apple spice cake within the hour.

Ingredients:

1 stick (8T) unsalted butter, softened
3/4c brown sugar
1t vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2c crock pot applesauce (chunks intact)
2c all-purpose flour
2t baking powder
1/2t baking soda
1/2t salt
1/2t pumpkin pie spice


Instructions:

(1) Preheat the oven to 350F.

(2) In a small bowl, stir together all dry ingredients and set them aside. Don't worry, that's as boring as it gets.

(3) In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until they are nice and fluffy like little fattening clouds. Add the eggs in one at a time, mixing after each. Switch to a big wooden (or metal if you don't value tradition) spoon, and add the dry ingredients gradually as you stir. Don't stir too much though or the cake will be like a rock.

**Note: If you are not using a spiced, sweetened, homemade applesauce, you will need to add an additional 3-4T brown sugar, and 1t cinnamon. Also, shame on you.

(4) Now pull out your 9-inch springform pan, and spread the batter inside until it is even. This batter is really thick, so it's actually kind of important to do this. Bake that baby for 40-45 minutes. The top will be beautifully golden brown. The cake is done when an inserted toothpick comes out clean or when the cake springs back (or doesn't leave a dent) when you poke it.

Cream Cheese Spice Icing -- If you already have a beloved cream cheese icing recipe, don't let me stop you from revisiting it. If not, blend 5 oz. of cream cheese, 3 oz. of butter, and a dash of vanilla extract. Add about 1 to 1 1/2c powdered sugar and cinnamon until it tastes like Fall. After frosting, sprinkle the cake with extra cinnamon for good measure.





Review: The Apple Spice Cake is a delicious confection that should be enjoyed on chilly afternoons with a cup of coffee or some PG Tips. It's very dense and moist and not overly sweet, which I love for this cake. In hindsight, I wouldn't have picked it as a birthday cake since it's not terribly festive looking, but I will definitely make it again, and you should too!



The birthday boy with his loot

3 comments:

  1. Yeah, that baby was good! It's funny that I said it wasn't festive enough for a birthday, because this is the cake mom requested for hers this year! Of course, I denied her and instead made a dutch chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, and almond slivers on top. Stay tuned for that post. Mer still has the pictures. It will BLOW YOUR MIND!

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