Spiced Apple Nut Cake

Spiced Apple Nut Cake

Courtesy of Chilean Fresh Fruit 8 Servings • 40 Min. Prep Time • 40 Min. Cook Time • Garnish with whipped cream and dried apple slices, if desired.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened and divided
2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 c. sugar
3 med. Chilean Granny Smith apples (6 to 7 oz. each) peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 c.)
3 Tbsp. maple syrup, divided
2 large eggs
3/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. unsifted all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. coarsely chopped pecans

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. each of the butter and sugar over medium high heat until the sugar begins to turn golden.

2. Add apples; cook and stir until tender and just begin to brown, 5 to 7 min.. Remove from heat.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter an 8-inch round baking pan; lightly coat with flour.

4. Drizzle the bottom of the pan with 2 Tbsp. of the maple syrup. Arrange half of the apple slices in a circular pattern to cover the bottom.

5. In a bowl, beat remaining 1/2 c. butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs. Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt; beat on low speed just until combined; fold in pecans.

6. Spoon half of the batter carefully over the apple slices in the pan; smooth into an even layer; top with the remaining apple slices, and then the remaining batter.

7. Bake until the center springs back when gently pressed, about 35 min. Cool on a wire rack for 10 min.; loosen edge and invert onto a serving plate.

8. Drizzle remaining 1 Tbsp. maple syrup over top. Serve warm.

Courtesy of Chef David Guas, Ceiba Restaurant, Washington, DC

Garnish with whipped cream and dried apple slices, if desired.