Apple Pickin' Season

Greg and I went to the mountains on Saturday and passed an apple orchard that was packed with people picking apples. No doubt there are lots of pies and tarts being made.

Given the season, I thought I'd post an apple recipe. I might even make it this weekend :)

Applesauce Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 large eggs
2 cups *chunky* applesauce

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, with an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and honey until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until combined. Beat in applesauce.

3. Generously coat a nonstick 9-inch tube pan with cooking spray. Spoon batter into pan; smooth top. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (but slightly wet), 50 to 60 minutes.

4. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Turn out of pan onto a cutting board or baking sheet; invert cake onto rack, top side up. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy!