Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 12 lb cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
  • 5 lbs tart apples, such as Granny Smith (about 12)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • Using an electric mixer or a pastry cutter, cut in butter until the mixture forms pea-size pieces.
  • Press two-thirds of the mixture onto bottom and 1 inch up the side of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Peel apples, cut into thin slices, and place in a bowl.
  • Pour off any accumulated liquid.
  • Toss apple slices with remaining teaspoon cinnamon and lemon juice, and put them in the prepared pan, pressing down gently as you pack them in (they will mound above the edge of the pan).
  • Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top.
  • Put the pan on an aluminum foillined baking sheet, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  • Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and let the cake cool in the pan to set.
  • Serve at room temperature.
  • NOTE: A springform pan works best for this recipe.
  • All you have to do is release the sides to remove the cake from the pan.
  • Or use a 9-inch round baking pan, with sides at least 3 inches high.