Apple Cake

I wanted to make an apple-ish fall dessert other than apple pie (pie just sounded too rich and syrupy). I looked through recipes and decided this one. I wanted a cake that would be light and not too cake-y. I hoped that the spices in this recipe would compliment each other and not overwhelm the apple taste either. Above all I crossed my fingers that it wouldn't turn out like a coffee cake or crumb cake. And it didn't! It was simple and yummy, the apples were soft but crisp just enough and the fall spices are so yummy. Anyway, the recipe is definitely a keeper!

Apple Cake
Everyday Food
Serves 16

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan (I used pam to spray the pan instead of butter)
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks (I used 4 small gala apples. Also, I cheated and did not peel them and the chunks were small enough that it didn't make a difference with the finished product)
1/2 c. chopped walnuts (omitted because I'm not a huge fan)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
confectioners' sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
3. Add the apples, walnuts, butter, and eggs; stir just until combined.
4. Spoon into pan; smooth with a spatula.
5. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Cool in pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar to serve

Note: Best apple for baking: Look for a hard, crisp variety that will retain its shape when baked. Gala and Golden Delicious are ideal.

Apples and Cream Pie

I made this for a dessert at Thanksgiving and it was a hit.

Apples and Cream Pie

1/2 cup honey
3 apples, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Crust:
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Filling:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine honey and lemon juice in large skillet. Add apples and cook until tender.
Combine crust ingredients and press into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well and pour over crust. Remove apples from skillet with slotted spoon and arrange on top of filling.
Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over top of apples. Bake at 350 for 50 to 65 minutes until center is set. (Use knife test; insert in center. If it comes out clean, it's done.)