Mocha-Flavored Apple Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Position the oven racks so that they are evenly spaced and one rack is in the center.
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to convection bake at 325F.
3. 3
   Butter a 9 x 13-inch pan.
4. 4
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, and mix well.
5. 5
   Add the butter and blend with a hand mixer until the ingredients resemble moist, coarse crumbs.
6. 6
   Add the eggs, apples, nuts, and coffee, and mix at low speed for 1 minute.
7. 7
   Increase the speed to high and continue mixing until the batter is well blended.
8. 8
   Turn the batter into the prepared pan.
9. 9
   Bake in the center of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cake feels firm in the center when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. 10
    Cool the cake on a wire rack.
11. 11
    Prepare the frosting and frost the cake when it is cool.
12. 12
    Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
13. 13
    Add the brown sugar and maple syrup and cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
14. 14
    Add the milk and heat to a boil, stirring.
15. 15
    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and creamy.
16. 16
    If necessary, add a few more drops of milk to get a spreading consistency.