Ingredients
2 1/3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp each: clove and nutmeg
4 cups chopped, peeled apples
½ cup soft shortening
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 eggs
caramel frosting
Ingredients
Combine first six ingredients (flour through spices) in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well blended, three to four minutes. Add apples, shortening, nuts and eggs. Beat at medium speed until well blended. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. Bake in pre-heated 325-degree oven for 45 minutes or until cake springs back when touched. Cool completely on wire rack. Frost in pan with caramel frosting.
Caramel Frosting:
½ cup butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
dash of salt
3 Tbl milk
1 ½ cups confectioners sugar, sifted
¼ tsp vanilla
Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add brown sugar and salt, stir over medium heat until sugar melts. Add milk and bring to a boil. Pour into a mixing bowl and cool for 10 minutes. Add confectioners sugar and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency, adding additional confectioners sugar if necessary. Spread on fresh apple cake.
