As if by magic, this cake creates its own beautiful picture as it bakes. Spread a buttery dough onto a shallow pan and press apple wedges into the top; as the kuchen bakes the dough rises up to frame the apples. This is delicious served warm from the oven topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe information
Yield
about 12 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Position the oven racks so that they are evenly spaced, with one rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to convection bake at 400°F. Butter a 12-inch tart pan or a 9 × 13-inch cake pan.
Step 2
Cream the softened butter and 3/4 cup of the granualted sugar until light in a large bowl, using an electric mixer; add the eggs and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to make a smooth dough.
Step 3
Spread the dough into the prepared pan.
Step 4
With a sharp knife, make lengthwise cuts in the apples, 1/4 inch apart but not all the way through, so the halves still hold together. Press the apple wedges, cut side down, evenly into the batter. Brush the apples with the melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
Step 5
Bake on the center rack for 25 minutes, until the cake is golden and the apples are cooked through. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
