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1
Heat oven to 325F.
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2
Brush a 10 inch springform pan with soft butter.
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3
Coat the pan with 1/4 c. superfine sugar, lightly tap out excess sugar, and set pan aside.
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4
Combine 1 c. butter and remaining 2 c. superfine sugar in a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment.
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Beat on medium speed, scraping down the side with a rubber spatula, till mix is light and fluffy, about 5 min.
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Carefully mix in the applesauce.
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Don't overmix.
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8
Sift together 2 3/4 c. flour, 1 tsp.
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cinnamon, 1/4 tsp.
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nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking pwdr.
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11
Fold the dry ingredients and pecans into the applesauce mix.
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Add in the vanilla, Calvados, and apple slices, and mix till just combined.
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13
Transfer the batter to the prepared springform pan.
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14
Combine the remaining 3 Tbsp.
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butter, 3 tablespons flour, 1/2 tsp.
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cinnamon, 1/4 tsp.
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nutmeg, brown sugar, and ginger in a small mixing bowl.
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Mix with fingers till just combined, and sprinkle lightly over batter.
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Place cake in oven and bake till a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour and 50 min.
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Let stand till completely cold.
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21
Applesauce
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18 McIntosh apples about 6 lbs.
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peeled, cored, and quartered.
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1 c. apple cider 1 large cinnamon stick1/2 vanilla bean 1 tsp.
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grnd ginger 1/2 tsp.
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grnd cardamom1/2 tsp.
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grnd nutmeg1/2 tsp.
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grnd mace 1/2 cp sugar, or possibly to taste 2 Tbsp.
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fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon, strained)
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Combine apples, apple cider, cinnamon, vanilla bean, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, sugar, and lemon juice in a large heavy bottomed wide saucepan.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching, till the apples are broken down and saucy, about 50 to 60 min.
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Mash any large pcs of apple with a large wooden spoon to help them break down.
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Adjust seasoning to taste with more sugar and spices.
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Remove the apple mix from the heat, and let stand to cold completely before serving, discarding the cinnamon sticks and vanilla pod.
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35
Applesauce can also be stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days in refrigerator.
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NOTES : Resist eating this cake fresh from the oven.
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The flavor reaches its peak when refrigerated overnight.