Toffee Apple Cake

It's picnic time!  What can we pack for dessert that will be easy to transport and easy to eat?   This is no time for squidgy frosting but I still want cake!   I think this Toffee Apple Cake might just be perfect.  

This is one thick, moist layer of  apple cake, spiced with cinnamon and topped with buttery toffee frosting.  It's delicious and sturdy enough to stand up to a picnic. 

Here is what you will need to make it:

 6 fl. oz of vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white sugar
2 apples- any kind will work
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 medium eggs
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F/ 180 degrees C.  Line a 9 inch round spring form pan with a paper cake case or grease and flour the pan.

Cut two medium size apples into quarters and remove the cores.  Slice the quarters into fine pieces and set aside while you make the batter.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the oil, sugar, vanilla and eggs together until they are a pale yellow.   In another bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together to combine them.   Beat the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture. 

Using a wooden spoon, stir the apple pieces into the batter.  When the apples are evenly dispersed, pour the batter into the lined cake pan.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.  Remove cake from the pan and cool on a wire rack. 

You can stop here.... this cake is delicious plain, without any frosting.  But a plain cake isn't a Toffee Apple Cake.   Here is how to make the frosting:

1/4 cup soft brown sugar

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon milk

In a small sauce pan, stir together the brown sugar, butter and milk and cook over a  medium heat.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for one minute.  Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool for several minutes then stir in:

1/2 cup icing sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Stir until the frosting is smooth and thick. Spread over the top of the cooled apple cake.  Store the cake in an airtight container, like an old fashioned tin.  Just the thing for a picnic!