Virginia Apple Pudding (Cake)

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375 F and spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with baking spray.
2. 2
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine apples and cinnamon. Microwave until apples are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. 3
   In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth. Pour this into the 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Sprinkle apples on top of the batter. Bake in the lower third of the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until it tests done. Cool completely before serving directly from the baking dish.
4. 4
   My notes:
5. 5
   - Recipe can also be baked in an 8x8-inch pan or a 9-inch round cast iron pan. Recipe may be doubled and baked in a 9x13 casserole dish. - Use apples that hold their shape well and don't exude too much moisture during baking, such as Galas.
6. 6
   - This cake is best eaten within 24 hours because the high sugar content will absorb moisture from the air, causing the cake to get soggy over time. For a rustic presentation, I've successfully baked this recipe in a slightly preheated cast iron skillet.
7. 7
   Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com