This is the cake you’ll be reaching for at 3 p.m. alongside an afternoon coffee.
As with all baking, the ingredients in this cake matter.
Ingredients
Cake
Baking spray with flour
3large McIntosh apples (about 1 1/2 lb.
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis
grated lime zest (from 1 lime)
1tsp.
vanilla extract
2large eggs
2 12cups all-purpose flour
1tsp.
kosher salt
Frosting
12cup unsalted butter
1cup packed light brown sugar
2Tbsp.
whole milk
3cups powdered sugar
14tsp.
hot water
Chopped toasted pecans, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350F.
Grease a 13- x 9-inch pan with baking spray with flour.
Place apple in a medium-size microwaveable bowl.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap; microwave on HIGH until softened, about 4 minutes.
Let cool 10 minutes.
(You should have 2 cups pureed apple.)
Whisk in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt just until combined.
Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely in pan, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Frosting: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium.
Stir in brown sugar, and bring to boil.
Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes.
Stir in milk, and return to a boil.
Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and salt until smooth and thickened.
If mixture is too thick, add hot water until mixture is desired consistency.
Spread frosting over cooled cake; garnish with chopped pecans.
