Makes 1 rectangular cake
For after school, for breakfast, for a coffee break, for afternoon tea, for when you feel good, for when you feel bad, this cake hits the mark. On the surface it looks as plain as can be, but cut into it and discover deep apple goodness.
APPLES
2 | tablespoons butter |
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3 | baking apples (such as Cortland or Golden Delicious), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups) |
3 | tablespoons brown sugar |
1 | tablespoon lemon juice |
1 | teaspoon ground cinnamon |
Pinch of salt |
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, or until apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
CAKE
Butter (for the pan) | |
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Flour (for the pan) | |
2 | cups flour |
2 | teaspoons baking powder |
½ | teaspoon salt |
¾ | cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature |
1 | cup granulated sugar |
4 | eggs |
1 | teaspoon vanilla extract |
½ | cup milk |
1 | teaspoon ground cinnamon |
1. Set the oven at 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Dust it with flour and tap out the excess.
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2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to blend them.
3. In an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla, then the milk, until blended. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
4. With the mixer set on its lowest speed, gradually beat in the flour just until incorporated. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, and mix for 15 seconds, or until smooth.
5. Spread half the batter in the pan in an even layer. Spread the apples on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. Drop the remaining batter in large spoonfuls over the apples, and carefully spread the batter over the apples with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Set the pan on a rack to cool. Cut into squares. Sally Pasley Vargas
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