We partnered with the blog The Jew & The Carrot for some High Holidays recipes. Addictive from the first bite, this cake recipe by Rachel Harkham will tempt the most avid of dessert dissidents.

This dish was featured as part of our Hanukkah Recipes photo gallery.

For more apple treats, try our easy apple cupcakes recipe.

  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients (11)

  • 1 cup softened margarine
  • 1 2/3 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
  • Juice from 1/2 medium lemon
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vanilla soy milk

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 325°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Spray an 8-by-8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 
  2. Melt 1/2 cup of the margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. When it foams, sprinkle in 2/3 cup of the sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of the apple pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir over medium heat until sauce is smooth and a deep amber color.
  3. Spread caramel sauce evenly in bottom of baking dish. Tile apple slices in tight rows over sauce. Sprinkle lemon juice over apple slices. Evenly sprinkle walnuts on top, if using. 
  4. Combine flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of the apple pie spice in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Add remaining 1 cup of the sugar, remaining 1/2 cup of the margarine, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until a thick batter forms. Add soy milk and stir until evenly combined. 
  5. Transfer batter to prepared dish and spread over apples. Bake until a toothpick inserted in cake layer comes out clean, about 45 to 55 minutes. Invert onto serving platter and serve warm or room temperature.