Tasty apple cake with loads of cinnamon. The big piece is for me :-)
It began with an apple. A whole mess of apples, in fact. What to make with them all?
Note: When shopping/cooking under quarantine, always buy the big bag. The item might not be available next time.
Note: When shopping/cooking under quarantine, always buy the big bag. The item might not be available next time.
Dear Partner voted immediately and enthusiastically for apple cake, a childhood favorite that her family made in a single layer like a snack cake, loaded with cinnamon.
Sadly, we found no apple cake listed among the handwritten recipe cards tucked into a worn metal box. We asked Cousin Leah, an excellent baker in her own right, for her apple cake recipe and she kindly pointed us to the Smitten Kitchen version. That Leah is a pretty smart cookie. Oops, I mean cake.
Sadly, we found no apple cake listed among the handwritten recipe cards tucked into a worn metal box. We asked Cousin Leah, an excellent baker in her own right, for her apple cake recipe and she kindly pointed us to the Smitten Kitchen version. That Leah is a pretty smart cookie. Oops, I mean cake.
See the caramelized apples on the crust/side? My favorite part
So whose mom is it in the title? The mom in question belongs to Deb Perelman, a very popular cookbook author and food blogger. We are big fans of both the Smitten Kitchen blog and this recipe in particular – serious wow.
The recipe comes together easily – foregoing an electric mixer, you do need some arm and hand strength for this one. It calls for a tube pan, although I’m sure you can use something else, if necessary, and just adjust the baking time. It bakes forever. Mine took a good 30 minutes past the recipe time. That’s okay, be patient. And then be patient again, as the cake must cool completely before de-panning it. That’s a lot of anticipation brewing before you get to sink your fork into a slice, but believe me, it’s worth it.
Two layers of melting apples, a lovely texture, a bottom crust that takes on a shortbread-like quality, and loads of cinnamon. Oh yes, this is the real deal. Even though it does not align with the childhood memories, this is a mighty fine apple cake that belongs in your repertoire.
Now how do you like them apples? Find the recipe from Smitten Kitchen here.
Today’s COVID-19 song celebrates our homes, where we spend 99.9% of our time under self-quarantine. For many fortunate souls, home is a cozy, comfortable place where there’s always a decent chance someone has made cake. (Note: This song talks about ‘our house usually has a crowd’ – bad for social distancing, but we’ll allow the artistic license.)
For a jazzy interlude while you enjoy some delicious cake, please lend an ear to Mr. Charlie Parker.
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