Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup brandy
  • 1 cup unsulphured dried apple slices (if only rings are available, cut them in half)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (preferably freshly ground)
  • 1-1/2 cups tightly packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
  • 2 medium sized tart cooking apples, such as Northern Spy or Rome Beauty, one peeled, one unpeeled, both cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • Additional unsalted butter for greasing the pan
  • Brown Sugar-Brandy Sauce
  • Makes about 2-1/4 cups
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup tightly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream (36%)
  • 2-1/2 tablespoons brandy

Method

  • In a small bowl, soak the dried apple slices for 15 minutes. Don't drain!
  • Preheat oven to 325. Butter a 9 x 13" pan. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and set aside.
  • With a mixer, blend both sugars. Add the eggs and beat on medium until thickened and pale, 2 min. Add the cooled melted butter and blend. Fold in the dry ingredients in 2 additions, mixing just enough to moisten most of the flour. Add the dried fruit mixture, chopped pecans, and diced fresh apple, then fold into batter.
  • Scrape batter into pan and bake for 70-80 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Keep well wrapped at room temp for up to 5 days. Serve with a pour of the warm sauce.
  • Combine butter, sugars and cream in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves, then increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil, stirring. Cook 5 more min, then remove from heat and stir in brandy or other liqueur. Serve immediately, or cool to room temp, then cover and refrigerate, up to 3 days. To rewarm, either microwave or heat in a saucepan.