Monday, September 20, 2010

Caramelly. Appley. Delicious.

This is the last cake that The Cake Slice Bakers are baking from Southern Cakes by Nancie McDermott and boy was it delicious. Scratch that...it was DELICIOUS. I've been baking with the cake slice bakers for 17 months. I did miss a couple months, but overall I have baked 15 cakes with this group and this one tops my list. I'm not quite into the pumpkin baking mode just yet, but I ain't got no problem with apples. We eat apples year round (Fuji's are our favorites) but I don't bake much with them. This was a nice treat and I'll definitely be making this one again. I'm sure my mother-in-law wouldn't mind either.

Ooh, by the way, I was asked to redesign The Cake Slice Bakers badge and this is what I came up with. What do you think?

I did make a couple of changes to the recipe. Firstly, I cut the recipe in half because between the two of us, we can't finish off a 9x13-inch cake. I baked this in an 8-inch Pyrex, reduced the amount of oil, omitted the nuts and added cinnamon, because that's how I roll. I was afraid this cake would be too sweet with the glaze, but after it cooked it was almost caramel-like. Be sure to save yourself a spoon of the glaze and eat it while it's still warm-- awesome. After the cake set, the glaze did set up as a glaze and not a caramel, but it wasn't overly sweet. In fact it was so buttery despite there only being 3 Tbsp. of butter in there. This cake was so moist and not the least bit oily. The glaze settled into the cake and the whole thing tasted like a caramel apple. Insanely good. I shared half of this cake with the in-laws and we managed to stretch this cake out to three days. The good thing? It gets better with age. And is awesome warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla.

When I first joined The Cake Slice Bakers, we baked from Sky High Cakes, then Southern Cakes and starting next month, we're moving on to a new cake book. Since we're baking from a new book (it's a secret for now) we're inviting new members to join us. If you're interested in baking along with The Cake Slice Bakers and can commit to baking one cake a month and posting it on your blog on the 20th, then please email Katie at Apple & Spice 1). your name 2). blog name 3). blog URL to appleandspice[AT]hotmail.co.uk with ‘Cake Slice Member’ as the subject and she will contact you with the details of how to join. You have until October 20th to sign up. I hope to be baking with some of you next month!

Fresh Apple Cake w/ Brown Sugar Glaze adapted from Southern Cakes

Printer Friendly Version

Apple Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Brown Sugar Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Tablespoon heavy cream

For the cake: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch pan (round or square) and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.Stir with a whisk to mix everything together.

In a large bowl, mix the eggs with a hand mixer til light in color and foamy. Add the oil and vanilla and beat well.

Stir in the flour mixture with a spoon and continue stirring the batter til the flour disappears. Add the apples and nuts (if using) and stir to mix them into the batter.

Scrape batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Place the hot cake on a wire cake. While it's still hot, prepare the glaze.

For the glaze: Combine all the ingredients into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Spoon the hot glaze over the still hot-from-the-oven cake. Let the glazed cake cool completely before serving straight from the pan.

Please don't wait til the weekend to make this!

104 comments:

  1. Monica-thats an insanely delicious looking cake!! YUMMY!

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  2. Your cake looks gorgeous Monica and I agree it was my favourite one from the book. Love the sound of eating it warm!

    I adore the new autumnal look of your blog - so stylish

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  3. Your cake looks so moist and that glaze looks so luscious. I can't wait to try this out this fall.

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  4. This cake look super yummy, can't wait to try out.

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  5. With fall approaching here and all the apples we'll be picking this recipe is a keeper. I will have to try it. Looks delicious Monica!

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  6. I am so excited Monica!!! Not only for this d'lish cake (going to make it ASAP!) but also because of the news/info you gave on joining the Cake Slice Bakers!!! I so want to join! I look forward to hearing back from Katie with excitement and anticipation. :-)

    Hugs to you!

    p.s. LOVE your new Fall blog header...yummy and FUN! :-)

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  7. I think you could just have posted the photo of the cake. It speaks for itself. I can see how moist it is. I can almost taste it--well, that's too much of a stretch but I will be tasting it very soon!! I'm always a little leery of cutting a cake recipe in half but it worked and it's good to know.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  8. Oh my lands. I'm definitely making this one!!

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  9. This sounds gorgeous! I will make this next weekend and wow my girls!

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  10. How gorgeous! It sounds as well as looks delicious. I love the food and recipes you feature here. You keep me coming back for more. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  11. I have never tried a true caramel apple ): I feel like I'm missing out on SO much...Guess I'll have to make this cake to compensate (:

    I've been thinking about joining a baking group but Im a little intimidated...I don't know if I'll be able to do every challenge...


    -Amalia.

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  12. This cake looks SOOO good! I want to halve the recipe like you did. I can't wait to surprise my husband with this one!

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  13. My, oh, my. That cake looks so delicious. Thanks again.

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  14. WOW!!! I think I need to make that, and soon.

    Sorry I missed your poll, I would love to join a bake-a-long group. If the cake slice bakers are continueing I would also like to join them. If you could forward the information to me I would really appreciate it.

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  15. Love the new look. You have such a great eye. Maybe you should start helping others design their blogs. I know my personal blog sure could use some help. :)

    Your cake looks gorgeous. This was the first apple cake I've made that didn't call for cinnamon. And I kept thinking that a little cinnamon would have made this delicious cake even better. :)

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  16. Looks delicious. My dad would totally love it.

    Congrats on the great looking badge for Cake Slice. And I'm loving your new header too.

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  17. This was my favourtie too. P.S. love the new badge...

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  18. Speechless, I am getting up right now to make this... :)

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  19. That looks soooooo good! Can't wait to try it!!!! I just made your no bake cookies this weekend. Those were yummy! I featured your blog and the no bake cookies in my most recent post. Thanks!!!

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  20. This looks and sounds delicious! We've got a small basket full of apples straight from the farm, and I think I now have the perfect recipe for them. Yum!

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  21. What a lovely, and timely cake!

    Well done (as always!)

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  22. Now if I could just figure out a way to get that piece of yummy cake thru this computer screen I would be sooo happy!

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  23. Oh, this is bad - I have a few apples in the fridge - and some free time today......

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  24. that cake and the glaze especially looks soooo enticing. Perfect for the fall weather we're having today!

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  25. I love that every time I visit your site that I will not only get amazing recipes, but get to see your gorgeous pictures!

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  26. I'm totally in love with apple cake...every single version. Yours is definitely no exception...my salivary glands are workin' over time! YUM!

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  27. I totally agree that this cake got better with age!

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  28. Love the new badge and your new blog layout! I really liked the cake myself had a piece of it last night while it was still warm. I'm going to have me another slice as soon as I'm done typing!

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  29. I can't get enough apple things the past few weeks. I guess just another sign I was ready for fall. This looks wonderful!

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  30. I'd have a hard time not eating that glaze with a spoon. I love your new header :)

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  31. getting ready to make this right now! you inspired me!

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  32. This is one yummy looking cake. I bet it smells amazing straight out of the oven. I think I will make the full size so that I can share half of it with my neighbor.

    I am also excited about the news regarding the Cake Slice Bakers. I sent off an email right away as it sounds like a lot of fun.

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  33. Oh my gosh.. I just started reading your blog today and I am hooked... that cake looks amazing.. as does everything else you've baked. I just want to eat right off your page! I am definitely joining the cake slice bakers.. sounds like a blast!

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  34. This is going on my MUST make list for fall!

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  35. This looks divine. I don't have any cream at the moment, but I might have to make a special trip to the store just so I can make this today! And Fuji's are my favorite too.

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  36. This cake looks delicious! I'm really debating if I should join the cake slice group - it sounds so fun! But do I really need a cake each month? Hey, i"ve been wanting to work on hospitality, so maybe this could be good :)

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  37. I have a similar cake on my blog. I ADORE that icing. I'll have to try this one now, too!

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  38. I've made the same apple cake recipe since the 1970's when Wesson oil ran it in magazines...but this one will put it to shame! Can't wait to make this...

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  39. Lovely photos and gorgeous cake! I have a similar recipe thats been a standby in my home for years. YUM

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  40. Your pictures of the cake looks absolutely gorgeous...and delicious to boot. Sigh...now I'm hungry all over again.

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  41. That brown sugar glaze just takes it over the top and makes my mouth water - yum!!

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  42. I am trying so desperately hard not to run right into the kitchen and make this cake right now! OMG! This looks SO good. I'm going to have to try it next week for sure. I have some peaches that need to be loved first.

    I just may have to join that group. It sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing!!

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  43. That looks incredible, Monica! And I'm thinking it would get two thumbs up from my crew...even my picky gourmet recipe requesting one! :)

    Darn, I was intending to make a different apple cake but now I'm torn!
    ~ingrid

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  44. So you created that gorgeous badge! I loe it! Very elegant and fun at the same time. This looks like the perfect cake for Fall, too.

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  45. Monica,
    Thank you for your beautiful blog. I just finished making this cake for a coffee I'm hosting tomorrow. I am an American living in Geneva, Switzerland, and once a week, a group of us North Americans (US citizens and Canadians) get together for coffee. It helps us get through the week:) Thanks for gracing our table with the recipes you share!

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  46. Rob and Michelle- That is the best compliment ever. Thank you so much for stopping by.

    I hope you and your friends enjoy this cake as much as we did.

    ~Monica

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  47. Made the apple cake this weekend. The glaze MAKES the cake--or skip the cake and just double the glaze recipe and drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper! The cake keeps very well and tastes even better the next day. Good cake for a fall weekend with friends--can be made the day before and slightly warmed for dessert after dinner (use the heavy cream leftover from the glaze for a whipped cream topping) and then the cake is a packable snack for an outing the next day or as a treat with coffee at breakfast.

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  48. Yum..yum...yum...I have already made this 2 times since you've posted this and received rave reviews both times!!

    Super simple to whip up, and I love when it is all ingredients I usually have on hand anyway :)

    My batter was extremely thick both times(before adding the apples and nuts), even though I double checked my measurements...so I added about 1/2 cup of water and it worked perfect! Although I just thought some apple juice or cider might be even better ;)

    And of course I added extra apples and nuts...I couldn't help myself!

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  49. I just discovered your blog last week, and I've already made this cake two times! It's awesome, and so is your blog :)

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  50. I made this yesterday and it was a huge hit!! You wont believe what I did though. I cooked the glaze way to long and it hardened like glass on top! LOL We all laughed as I cut into it and the topping broke into a million pieces..and then we laughed even harder as we ate it. We made the most loud crunching sounds..like the scene from Christmas Vacation where they were eating the super dry turkey..LOL

    It was super delicious though and I will be making it again and making sure the glaze comes out right this time!

    Big thanks from an American mom living in the Netherlands : ) It's dishes like this that remind us of home..warm and comforting.

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  51. Made this last night and it sent me back to elementary school with the caramel topping. They used to put it on cinnamon rolls and it is delightful!!! The cake is so flavorful and screams fall, which I love. Thanks for sharing...another keeper! ~Brenda

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  52. Fresh Apple Cake (with a brown sugar glaze) has got to be my favorite! It was my mom's too.

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  53. I made this last week and it was every bit as good as you said :) Thank you for all of the amazing recipes you share <3

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  54. thanks dear for sharing this recipe
    i did it yesterday and i post the pic in my blog
    it's in arabic but i put a link to your site
    thanks again :>

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  55. Iliana GonzálezMarch 15, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Just wanted to say that your blog is amazing and that I made this cake a couple months ago and my whole family loved it!
    I showed my family your blog and we wanted to congratulate you!
    You're an amazing cook :D

    Greetings from a teen mexican fan (:

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  56. Just made this cake and it is heavenly! Perfect way to welcome Fall in. I can't wait to share it with friends tonight!

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  57. You should make your recipe posts so that we can post them to facebook. I have loved everything I've made that you share and would love to share it with my friends too!

    Amber

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  58. This cake was so delicious. I tend not to leave comments on recipe posts for some reason...mostly laziness I'm sure. But, I just had to thank you for this recipe! It was one of the best desserts I've ever had. Everyone who has tried it (co-workers, family, friends) has been in awe. I've already had multiple requests for the recipe and it's only been 4 days since I made it for the first time. I'm sending everyone here! Thank you!!

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  59. This cake was fabulous! Wow! It was a hit at my dinner. Thanks for trying out and posting all these wonderful recipes.

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  60. Oh my, your recipes are a diabetics nightmare, but holy moly, soooo good!! However, I'm a good sport, I don't let my diabetes interfere with feeding my non-diabetic family and friends, but I will take just a nibble or two!!

    Love your site and will now become a regular...found you over at Pinterest...what a great site, right???

    Will now copy and paste this recipe of shear deliciousness and think I'll make it for one of my Thanksgiving desserts!!

    Georgina

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  61. looks super delicious! gotta have one of these sometime!

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  62. Made it today and my house smells so good and the glaze is absolutely fabulous! Next, I will try it with some healthy modifications!

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  63. I found this yesterday and decided I just had to make it. I know hubby won't have much but that just means that much more for me.

    I have it baking now, but the batter was amazing. The only modification I'm going to make is the heavy cream. I don't have any and I don't feel like going out in the rain to get any, so I'm going to try condensed milk.

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  64. Although I used up all the apples from our tree, I am always on the look out for new apple recipes...This cake with its camel sauce looks yummy!
    Thank you too for the printable version...makes it easier to copy.
    Grace

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  65. This recipe spells awesomeness! thank u for sharing! On a note: the batter was a little thick, hence I added 4 Tbsp of whole milk and a tad more oil. I also used some cinammon sugar to coat the apples before mixing into the batter. Sugar was also cut down to 3/4 cup since there's the superb caramel glaze. I'm really so in love with this cake! will definitely be trying other recipes from you! Thank u once again!

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  66. How would I make the cake in a 9X13 pan?

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  67. Sandee- simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13- inch pan at the same temperature. You will have to cook it longer though so keep an eye on it. It's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Double the glaze and make as directed.

    Monica h

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  68. Can not WAIT for this to cool. Did you refrigerate or store in a cake display?? Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe!

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  69. This was a wonderful cake -- the edges are the best!

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  70. Made this cake today and we are really enjoying it. I like cakes that are in 8 x 8 pans. I make a very similar apple cake only more oil less eggs and sprinkled with cinnamon/brown sugar combo. Although they are so close to the same they are such different tastes..thanks for this recipe...we love it!

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  71. This cake looks so yummy! The photo just jumps out at you. I just discovered your site tonight from Pinterest and will be back when I have more time. I live inDallas and am self employed, so I am always home and enjoying my freedom.

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  72. Is there a substitute for the heavy cream? I don't know what I would use the rest of it for? Thanks!

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  73. I just made this tonight after seeing it on Pinterest.

    Um...
    you are the BOMB.
    So is this cake.

    so yummy.
    I plan to make cupcakes/muffins without the glaze as well. YUM.

    www.urbanutopiaphotography.com

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  74. is there something you can substitute for the heavy cream if you do not have it. Seems a crime to buy it for 1 tbs

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  75. is there something you can substitute for the heavy cream if you do not have it. Seems a crime to buy it for 1 tbs

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  76. Made it, loved it, posted it! :-) http://www.fransfavs.com/2012/10/apple-cake-with-brown-sugar-glaze/#more-4554

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  77. Holy fall amazingness! I was beyond thrilled to find your recipe via pinterest. Now, the cake is in the oven and the whole house smells like spicey fall flavors - thank you!

    PS - that glaze is dangerous... I could eat the whole pan! Can't wait to try it out at our casual dinner get together tonight - thanks girl! Will be following you blog for more amazing recipes :)

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  78. I just made this cake and wow, it is delicious! I used about 2 cups of chopped apples and substituted applesauce for the canola oil. I suggest adding the vanilla to the caramel glaze after it's done cooking on the stove so that the vanilla flavor doesn't cook out of it. Other than that, superb recipe!

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  79. I just made this for our thanksgiving today. Can't wait to try it. Looks so yummy! Thanks :)

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  80. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  81. Amazing recipe, I love desserts. Once I have leaved in a rent apartment in buenos aires where I discovered dulce de leche bakery and that changed my live!!
    You should try it, you will not regret it.

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  82. What an amazing cake! I've made it twice now: the first was eaten here at home, the second I made for a friend whose daughter passed away. She thanked me profusely and told me her family devoured it; know that this superb little cake brought the littlest bit of comfort to a grieving family.
    Note: if you over-boil the brown sugar glaze it will turn rock hard when it cools and you'll have to "crack" through it to get your piece of cake (don't ask how I know this ;-)

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  83. Holy fall amazingness! I was beyond thrilled to locate your current recipke by way of pinterest. Now, the wedding cake influences cooker and also the entire home smells like spicey fall tastes : thanks a lot!
    rs gold for sale
    FFXIV CD Key

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  84. Amazing!! Tastes like a caramel apple! Not too sweet! Easy to make! I loved it!

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  85. I just made this and it's delicious. The only thing is that my glaze didn't look like the photo. It was thinner and glossy. Most of it absorbed into the cake. I didn't have heavy cream so I used milk and that might have caused the difference. I will be making this again.

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  86. Made this, this evening, so simple and tasted sooo goood!!

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  87. HOLY CRAP!! I had a couple apples that either needed to be used or tossed and then...I found this recipe and had to try it!!! I just took it out of the oven and the whole house smells incredible! Not sure I can wait til its cool enough not to scald the entire surface of my mouth!! lol Ty for a great recipe!!

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  88. We dehydrated apples this summer and wanted to find a fun way to use them rather than the typical munch from the bag. Chopped 1 cup, added 1 cup water, and cooked in microwave for 6-minutes. I used these in your recipe and we have a winner! I might try this with our peaches as well. Thanks!

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  89. I would like to make a 13x9 size of this cake. Do I just double the ingredients?

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  90. I've made this cake several times since you posted it and it's absolutely delicious! The caramel glaze is amazing. It's the perfect cake for fall.

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  91. So, is the cake left in the pan to cool on the rack or taken out of the pan and then cooled?

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  92. Hi I was wondering if you have a recipe for a Brown Sugar frosting as my grandmother used to make one when I was little & it was not a glaze it was as if she just put the brown sugar on the cake, it was great.

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  93. Just popped this in the oven and I noticed others have posted about how thick the batter was, mine looked more dough like than liquid.
    They all added liquid, but I didnt. Thinking it was more a bread like cake, so it would be ok.
    I hope it turns out as good as everyone elses sounds, I am supper exited to see the results!

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  94. Just made this for my family. It was great. The glaze gave it an apple fritter taste. Cake was the consistency of banana bread. Everyone liked it warm.

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  95. This is a 5-star recipe if I've EVER made one!! I wouldn't change a thing--except maybe tripling the recipe so it'll actually last! I'm currently eating a piece for breakfast and I'm just thrilled :)

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  96. So is this recipe the halved version you made, or the full 9x13 pan size? Thanks

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  97. The recipe above makes one 8-inch cake. If you want a 9x13, double the ingredients and watch the cooking time.

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Thank you for your supportive comments. I appreciate each and every one of them!