Minne-Apple Season

Fall in Minnesota…it’s an obsession. The sights, sounds, smells and heart-swells appear at any given moment. Around every single corner you’ll spot autumn’s changing leaves, pumpkins ripening on the vine and pom-pom shaped marigolds blooming till frost. Yet, when it comes to pinpointing a favorite flavor that represents MN around here, apples take the cake…in more ways than one! 

Growing up, my beautiful mom baked a delicious apple cake that filled the house with the welcoming aroma of sugar and spice…group hug for brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg! This coffee-cake-like treat had a moist yet slightly crumbly texture with a depth of flavor from the apples and coffee (secret ingredient!). And the best part….the white-and-brown sugar topping created a sheet of sweetness across the top. Years & decades passed since I had a slice of Mom’s endearing apple cake. Last weekend it was time to set the oven to 350° and whip up a Fresh Apple Cake.

Given apples and Minnesota go hand-in-hand, I thought I’d share the recipe on the blog. You’ll find a more legible list of ingredients & directions below and I renamed the recipe Fresh Minne-Apple cake for a dash of MN-pride. A bit of hand-picked history for you… Apple aficionados at the University of Minnesota put apple trees on the state map when it comes to breeding varieties hardy enough to withstand the notoriously cold temps yet taste amazingly delicious. Since 1888, U of M scientists have created 30 distinct varieties. In 2006, the popular Honey Crisp  was named Minnesota’s State Fruit – legit! U of M researchers’ latest and greatest include SnowSweet, Frost Bite and SweeTango.  You may also recognize Haralson, Honey Gold, Sweet Sixteen and Zestar, all of which got their start right here in MN!

So, soon…back to cake! One last note of thanks to Mrs. Bob Robinson who contributed her delightful recipe to the church cookbook so generations of fall fans and apple lovers could enjoy. I used Granny Smiths because that’s what was in our crisper – and my mom’s maiden name is Smith – but I think you could use any freshly picked apple here.

Just a few step shots to share. The upper left photo features the batter with the pecans and peeled & diced apples prior to stirring; lower left image highlights the four topping ingredients; right side photo is the cake batter in the pan with the pressed topping just before baking.

Then, 45 minutes later…

And, finally…that sweet slice with plenty of apples!

So, celebrate fall and apple season with a big slice of this Minnesota-nice cake, friends. Serve with a piping cup of Lutsen’s very own Fika coffee, or perhaps a tall, cold glass of 2%. Pack a few pieces to-go before you set off on your next Superior Hiking Trail adventure. Or, be neighborly and deliver a piece to a good friend.

Enjoy! xo

Minne-Apple Season was first featured on http://www.FromLutsenwithLove.com