This recipe is certain to make an impression on friends and family. Bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange and tart apples, this cake makes a delicious cold-weather dessert and a perfect after-school snack.
3/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur or orange juice
1-1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon Grated orange peel
2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
3 med (3 cups) tart cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped 1/2 inch thick
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
Vanilla ice cream, if desired
Caramel sauce, if desired
Heat oven to 325 degrees. In small bowl combine raisins and the orange liqueur; let stand 30 minutes. Drain well; set aside. In large mixing bowl combine sugar, butter, eggs, orange peel and vanilla. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and cloves. Beat until well blended (1 to 2 minutes). By hand, stir in raisins, apples and pecans. Spoon into greased and floured 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 80 to 90 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove sides of pan. Cool completely. (Cake may dip slightly in center upon cooling.) Top cake with ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce.
I prefer to frost this cake with a cream cheese icing.
Yield: 12 Servings