Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce

Alright alright...I know YOU know that cooking is my passion BUT, also know, I probably won't ever have one of "those" amazing food blogs that keep me entranced and addicted to the Internet. That said, here is an amazing apple cake recipe that I modified from this blog. My version was not as healthy because of white flour, butter, the additional streusel topping AND caramel sauce. I did almost double the amount of apples though and I put in a bit more applesauce if that gives any redemption to my version (probably not). If you try it let me know! We really loved it! Both Brett and Colby said they liked it better than apple pie.

Apple Cake

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

3/4 cup Apple sauce

2 Eggs
2-1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 tsp Baking Soda

6-7 cups Apples (peeled-cored-chopped, I used the small slicing blade on my food processor)
3 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 cup Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

Start by creaming brown sugar and butter together. Gradually add the applesauce, then the eggs one at a time, beating well. In a separate bowl, prepare your apples and mix with the white sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, set aside. Sift together the remaining dry ingredients and add to the liquid mixture, just mixing to combine. The batter will be very thick, fold in the apples thoroughly. Pour into prepared 10 inch spring form pan, top with streusel and bake in oven for about 60 minutes. Check to make sure a knife or toothpick removes cleanly before removing from oven. ( I covered mine with foil for the last fifteen minutes of baking so the streusel wouldn't get to dark). Cool slightly on rack for 10 minutes, and then serve warm.

Almond Oatmeal Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup softened butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup Oatmeal
1/2 cup chopped almonds (or your favorite nuts)
Use a pastry blender to cut all ingredients together.

Caramel Sauce
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1- Combine butter, brown sugar, water, and salt in a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2- Bring to boil for 3 to 5 minutes depending upon thickness desired.
 3- Remove from heat and stir in evaporated milk and vanilla.