German Apple Cake

modified from:
Taste of Home - try a FREE ISSUE today!

TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 55 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
3 eggs
2 cups cane juice crystals (sugar)
1 cup safflower (or vegetable) oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups organic all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups chopped peeled tart apples
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

FROSTING: (also optional)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 cups organic confectioners' sugar

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture and mix well. Fold in apples and nuts. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter. Add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth. Spread over cake. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-16 servings.