Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]resh apple cake is a recipe that has been in the family for decades, and it is a must-have during the holiday season. This cake is amazing with or without nuts. If your frosting is too runny, add powdered sugar to desired consistency.

Ingredients:

Cake:

2-1/3 c. flour 2 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 4 c. chopped, peeled apples

1/2 c. butter 2 eggs

Caramel Frosting:

1/3 c. butter 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar

salt 3 tbsp. milk

1-1/2 c. powdered sugar vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, soda, salt and spices in a large bowl. Blend with electric mixer for three minutes, until spices are distributed evenly.

Peel and chop apples in 1/2-inch cubes. Add apples, butter, nuts and eggs, beating on medium speed until combined. It may look like its not going to come together, but just let it mix, as the apples release liquid to help it all come together.

Pour into greased 9×13 pan and bake for 45 minutes. The cake should spring back when touched. Cool and make caramel frosting (below).

Melt butter in small saucepan. Once melted, add brown sugar and a dash of salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar melts, then add milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour into electric mixing bowl and let sit for 10 minutes to cool. Whip on medium speed, then turn to low to add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until it all comes together in an easy-to-spread consistency.

Pour over apple cake and spread evenly. Cut and serve!

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