Apple Torte

Apple Torte
Adapted from the Original Plum Torte in The New Elegant but Easy Cookbook by Marian Burros

I usually make Marian Burros’ Plum Torte at the end of summer when Italian prune plums hit the markets. Then, as the leaves start to drop, I switch to this apple version with its spicy notes of cinnamon, golden sugar, and rum.

1 stick unsalted butter, softened, or brown butter* (beurre noisette)
¾ cup plus 1–2 tablespoons sugar (half regular granulated, half light brown)
1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
3 peeled apples: 2 cut into small cubes, 1 sliced
½ cup golden raisins
Dark rum (enough to cover raisins; I use Goslings Black Seal)
½ cup walnuts, chopped
2 teaspoons cinnamon, or more to taste

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the golden raisins in a small saucepan and cover with dark rum. Bring the rum to a boil, then remove from the heat and let the raisins sit in the hot liquid for a few minutes to plump. (This can also be done in a ramekin in the microwave.)

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter (whether you’re using softened unsalted butter or beurre noisette) with ¾ cup of the sugar. Add the sifted flour, baking powder, eggs, salt, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon. Beat until well combined. Stir in the cubed apples, the drained raisins, and the chopped walnuts.

Spoon the batter into an ungreased 9- or 10-inch springform pan. Arrange the sliced apple on top in a circular pattern. Mix the remaining 1–2 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the torte cool slightly before serving.

This cake is lovely on its own and even better with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon ice cream, softly whipped cream, or thick Greek yogurt.

*To make brown butter (beurre noisette), cook the butter in a pan over low heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Watch closely—if it goes too far and burns, you'll need to start again.

---