German Apple Cake

In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, I filled all water bottles in the apartment.  I bought canned fish, bread, hummus, and contemplated what sweet treat we should gnosh on as we hunker down.  I just couldn't bring myself to buy anything when I have 10 delicious farmer's market apples sitting at home.  Should I make apple crisp or apple crumble?  Nah.  I was feeling rather nostalgic this past week so I thought I'd pull an old family favorite out of the arsenal, German Apple Cake.

My Norwegian Grandmother used to make this treat for my brother and I every time she came to visit.  I looked up a couple of recipes and finally decided on a recipe based on the photo.  I had all the ingredients so I went to work tweaking it a little to make it my own.  Here's what I used.

• 5 apples peeled and cored
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups Turbinado Sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
• 1 cup ground walnuts
• 4 teaspoons turbinado sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9x14 ceramic baking dish
2. Peel, core and slice apples  
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix 4 eggs and two cups of sugar.
4. Mix with a mixer for 15.
5. While the mixer is at work, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon in a separate bowl
6. After 15 minutes, add the oil to the mixture and stir
7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well
8. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla and walnuts 
9. Finally mix in the apples and spread evenly in the baking dish
10.  In a separate dish mix the 4 teaspoons of sugar and the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
11. Sprinkle the cinnamon/sugar mixture over the top of the apple cake
12. Bake for 50 minutes
13. Remove from oven, let cool, and enjoy.

 It was as delicious as I remembered.  Grandma's version was far prettier but my cake came out a lot lighter and fluffier.  I only wish Grandma could enjoy it with me.  Perhaps I'll make her some for Christmas. 

Stay dry my east coast friends and enjoy your time off from work...
Try some German apple cake while you still have electricity. 

KIM