Gramp’s Apple Cake

Don Chisty, ca 1922

Grandpa Don Christy was a really good cook, making hearty breakfasts for the family after a morning spent digging clams on the Long Beach Peninsula. This old-fashioned Apple Cake was one of his specialties.

Gramp’s Apple Cake

4 cups peeled and diced apples
2 cups sugar

1/2 cup oil
2 well-beaten eggs

1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour 

2 tsp soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt

1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit.  Generously grease a 9x13-inch pan. Combine flour with salt, soda and spices (sift or stir together in a bowl). In a large bowl, mix apples and sugar.  Stir in oil, eggs and vanilla then mix in dry ingredients. Fold in nuts .  Pour into pan and bake for 45 minutes.  Spread topping over cake while still warm. 

Topping: 

1 stick butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk

While cake is baking, combine  in medium saucepan.  Cook for 10 minutes; let cool.  Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut.