I'm so happy cooler temperatures are here! This is my favorite time of year and all the fresh fruit and vegetables available locally make me want to bake and cook up a storm! My family & I went apple picking at our local orchard (Crow Farms) on Saturday and I immediately remembered this recipe...given to me by my immensely talented sister Chris. It is easy to make, smells divine while it bakes and tastes even better....
Chocolate Chip Apple Cake
(takes a little less than 2 hours start to finish and serves 8-10 ppl)
Ingredients:
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey's cocoa)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon (a generous tsp!)
1 tsp nutmeg
2 cups finely chopped apples (peeled & cored apples)
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325F
2. In a large bowl or bowl of a mixer, cream the butter with the sugar
3. Beat in the eggs, then water and vanilla
4. In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until completely mixed together
6. Stir in the apples and chocolate chips
7. Grease & flour a tube pan (sprinkle flour, thoroughly cover the greased pan) and pour batter into pan
8. Bake for 75 mins or until it tests done (use a toothpick or knife)
9. Transfer the cake to a rack to cool and then invert onto a plate
10. Mangia ....one bite at a time....savoring the taste of fall!
PS Good served warm with vanilla ice cream on the side.....yummm
