Apple Cake

This is one of my favorite desserts and I post it here for those who requested the recipe:

4 tart apples (pippin variety works well), peeled cored and cut into 1 inch cubes

1 1/2 TBSP  granulated sugar
2 tsp.            cinnamon

3 cups          all purpose flour
1 TBSP        baking powder
1/2 tsp.         salt

4 large eggs, beaten
1 cup            vegetable oil
2 cups          granulated sugar
1/2 cup        orange juice
1 tsp.           vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F (if using a glass pan reduce heat to 325F).  Grease and flour or line with parchment paper the bottom of a 9x13 pan or a 9 inch tube pan.

Mix the apples with the 1 1/2 TBSP sugar and cinnamon and set aside.

Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together well in a separate bowl and set aside.

Beat the eggs in a stand mixer on medium high speed (KitchenAide setting 6 or comparable speed) for 4-6 minutes until light and fluffy.  Add the vegetable oil and sugar and mix an additional 4-6 minutes.

Add the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, alternating with 1/2 of the orange juice, beating just to combine after each addition, ending with the orange juice and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. 

Pour 1/3 of the batter in the prepared cake pan and top with 1/3 apples.  Add a second third of batter and the second third of apples.  Add the last third of batter and top with the last of the apples.

Bake for 60-70 minutes or unetil the top is a rich borwn adn the cake feels firm to the touch. 

Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack.  If using a tube pan, once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and put on a plate, top side down.  Serve plain or dusted with confectioner's sugar. Slice and enjoy!