Caramel Apple Cake

I was looking for a new dessert to bake for youth group as it was one of our students' birthdays. When I saw this recipe in the "dessert" section of my Taste of Home recipe box, I knew I wanted to try it! It was quite simple to put together and most of the ingredients are on hand. The cake is delicious and moist and perfect. I believe you could do without the caramel drizzle, as it is super sweet, but it's your choice.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup vegetable oil

1-1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3-1/2 cups diced peeled apples

1 cup chopped walnuts, opt

for caramel icing:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup light cream (or milk)

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 cup confectioner's sugar

chopped walnuts, opt

In a mixing bowl, combine oil and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients with a whisk. Add to batter in three additions and mix well. Fold in apples and walnuts. Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan.

Bake at 325 for 1 and 1/2 hours or until tests done.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes; Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing:

In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, heat brown sugar, cream and butter until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Cool to room temperature. Beat in confectioner's sugar until smooth; drizzle over cake.

Sprinkle with nuts if desired.

Yields: 12-16 servings.