Apple Cake:

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 pounds baking apples (like honey crisp) (approximately 4 – 6 apples), peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (approximately 8 cups)

1/4 cup light brown sugar

Maple Whipping Cream:

1 pint whipping cream

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, more or less depending on desired sweetness

Method:

1.   Preheat oven to 350ºF.

To prepare the cake:

2.   In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add butter and granulated sugar and cream until light in color and fluffy, approximately 4 – 5 minutes. DO NOT add brown sugar!

3.   Add vanilla and mix until just combined. One at a time, add eggs mixing until just combined scraping down the sides in between each addition.

4.   In a separate medium size bowl, add flour, baking powder and salt. Using a whisk, mix until combined. 

5.   Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until just combined being careful to not over-mix.

6.   In a 9-inch square baking dish lightly greased with melted butter or cooking spray, add batter and spread in a thin and even layer. Note: Mixture may be hard to spread but do your best to do so in a thin layer.

7.   In a separate medium size bowl, add prepared apples and brown sugar. Mix to combine and pour over batter in an even layer. Use your hands to lightly press the apples down into the batter.

8.   Place in preheated 350ºF oven and bake until lightly golden in color and an inserted toothpick comes back with just a few crumbs, approximately 55 minutes – 1 hour.

9.   Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

10.   Meanwhile, prepare the maple whipping cream.

To prepare the whipping cream:

11.   In a medium size bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add maple syrup and beat until medium peaks form.

12.   To serve, slice apple cake to desired size and top with a dollop of freshly whipped maple cream.

Kitchen Note:  If you don’t have maple syrup, vanilla, star anise, or even almond extract will do.