German Apple Sheet Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.
3. Spread batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the apples over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle the melted butter over the apples.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Interesting Facts

• This cake originated in Germany and was a popular dessert in the 19th century.
• This cake is traditionally served with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• This cake is also known as a 'schmarrn' or 'schmarren' cake.