Dutch Apple Cake - It's Child's Play

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...There are a boatload of recipes for Dutch Apple Cake. Most of them are very good, and while the version I'm sharing with you tonight may not be best of class, it certainly is more fun to make than most. This recipe is really meant for moms and grandmothers who have 4 to 6 year old sous-chefs in their kitchens. The children can take responsibility for the vertical placement of apples into the batter. The apples are pushed into the batter one slice at a time, and while you and I might find the task wearisome, the kids love to do it. The cake goes into the oven looking like a porcupine and its appearance doesn't change much as it bakes. Despite its appearance, the cake is really tasty and I think you will enjoy it. My only caution regarding this cake is one you've never heard before. If you have a young assistant, the apples must be cut thin, but still be substantial enough for the children to poke into the batter without bending. If you make the cake you'll see exactly what I mean. I love to serve this cake while it is still warm. The cake keeps reasonably well, but the quantity of apples used in it cause it to become damp and pudding-like if it sits too long. I hope you will give this cake a try. It really is tasty and your assistants will love it. Here is how it is made.

Dutch Apple Cake...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Sam's Clubyoung

Ingredients:
3 medium tart apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices (3 cups)
3 tablespoons + 1 cup sugar, divided use
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1) Combine apples, 3 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Let mixture stand for 1 hour.
2) When ready to proceed, preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Generously grease/butter a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. (I line bottom of pan with parchment paper and then butter the parchment paper as well)
3) Cream butter and remaining sugar in another bowl until mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. Combine flour and salt and gradually add to creamed mixture and beat until smooth.
4) Transfer batter to prepared pan. Push apple slices vertically into batter, placing them close together. Bake for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm. Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

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