Caramel-Glazed Apple Cake

By Hklbrries

Granny Smith apples pack mouthwatering tartness, a crisp bite and tangy flavor. While the fresh, bright green skin of a Granny Smith is one of its most recognizable traits, the rich flavor and texture is just as memorable. Available year-round, these apples are great for making pies, cakes, sauces or just as a snack.

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 Washington Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, cored, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Caramel Glaze:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 F. Butter and flour a 9-by-13-inch pan.

To prepare the cake, beat both sugars and oil in a mixing bowl until very well blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, mixing just until blended. Stir in apples, pecans and vanilla; pour into pan.

Bake for 50 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan while preparing the glaze.

To prepare the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in both sugars and salt; cook over medium-low heat for 2 minutes. Add cream and boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Poke holes in the cake with a skewer or toothpick. Pour on the glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.