What to Eat: An Adult Halloween Dinner Party

Moist Autumn Apple Cake
by Maria Villalba

No amount of candy bars collected around the neighborhood can compare to this perfect seasonal dinner party dessert.

“Here is a dessert my family would serve for Thanksgiving, but it’s perfect anytime in the fall. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is a delicious accompaniment."

Makes 6 to 8 servings

½ tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups corn oil or grapeseed oil
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled cored and sliced (about 3 cups)
1 cup raisins
2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
Whipped cream, crème fraîche, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform cake pan and dust it with a little of the flour.

Sift the remaining flour into a large bowl with the cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Place the oil in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the granulated and brown sugars and beat for about 4 minutes, until the mixture is very creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla. Gently stir the flour mixture into the oil and sugar mixture. Fold in the apples and raisins. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 1 hour, until golden and the top of the cake is firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool, then remove the sides of the pan and set aside until ready to serve. Sift confectioners’ sugar over the top and serve with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or vanilla ice cream if you like.

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