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Apple Drizzle
Apple Drizzle is a comforting, vintage-style baked dessert that combines a tender cake base with juicy diced apples and a sweet crumb topping. The recipe reflects mid-20th century American baking traditions, emphasizing wholesome pantry staples like shortening, milk, and margarine. The warm flavors of cinnamon and apples make this dish perfect for autumn gatherings or family dinners. Unlike pies, Apple Drizzle has a lighter texture, balancing the richness of a cake with the simplicity of a crisp. It was noted on the recipe card with the date March 6, 1956, giving it nostalgic charm and a timeless quality.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Base:

  • ¼ cup shortening
  • ½ cups sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 cups apples (diced)

Crumb Topping:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ cup margarine (softened)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Batter

  • Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add salt and beaten egg, mixing well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift flour and baking powder together.

Step 3: Finish Batter

  • Alternate adding dry mixture and milk into the creamed mixture, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Add Apples

  • Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed.
  • Spread batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Make Crumb Topping

  • In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
  • Cut in margarine until mixture is crumbly.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

  • Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over batter.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Tips

  • Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for brighter flavor and better texture.
  • Add lemon zest to the batter to echo the suggested lemon sauce.
  • Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for extra fiber.
  • Replace margarine with butter in the topping for richer flavor.
  • Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the crumb topping for crunch.
  • Spice variation: increase cinnamon or add nutmeg/allspice for warmer flavor.
  • Serve warm with the handwritten note’s suggestion: lemon sauce or whipped cream.
  • Bake in a greased 9×9-inch pan for thicker slices or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner ones.
  • If apples are very juicy, toss with 1 to 2 teaspoons flour to prevent sogginess.
  • Make ahead: reheats well, covered loosely with foil at low oven temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword apple cake, baked apples, crumb topping, family recipe, heritage, lemon sauce, old-fashioned dessert, vintage
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