FUN, “D”LISH CROCK-POT APPLESAUCE CAKE - Fabulous Fall Fare!

I love the smells of ‘Fall Flavorful’!Spices, and I LOVE baking in the fall.  Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves- so reminiscent of the Fall baking my mom did when I was a child.  With my schedule I also love recipes that are easy to make, BURSTING with Fall Flavors, and CRAZY DELICIOUS!  So, I have combined several recipes, played around with them, added my own touches and finally stirred them up with enthusiasm, and created a WONDERFUL Fall dessert that you will want to make for years to come!  Crock-pot Applesauce and Walnut Cake with Caramel Sauce!  YUMMO!

I love the ease of using my crock-pot.  There is nothing like starting a recipe in your crock-pot and then coming home to the smells of something wonderful that is waiting for you and welcoming you home!  So this recipe is easy, fall flavorful, and soon to be a family favorite!

Ingredients Needed:

Crock-pot

Parchment Paper

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp round ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 Granny Smith Apples cored and chopped

Confectioners’ sugar and ice cream, for serving

           

Recipe Preparation

Place a 15-in. piece of parchment paper in the bowl of a 5- to 6-qt slow cooker, letting the excess come up the sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt.

      Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the applesauce and vanilla (the mixture will look curdled). Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated.

Add in the chopped walnuts and chopped apples

 

     Transfer the batter to the prepared slow cooker and cook, covered, until set and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 3 hours on high.

   Holding the parchment, transfer the cake to a rack and let cool for at about 15 minutes.

CARAMEL SAUCE:

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. whipping cream

Bring to boil. Serve over slices of cake.  Top with Confectioners Sugar.  If desired, serve with Vanilla Ice Cream on the side.

I hope you are getting hungry for this yummy, delish, FALL FAB dessert!  SO easy, SO sweet, SO FALL!  Get your apron on!  Pull out your whisks and bowls, and get your cooking groove on!  You will Have Happy Tummies in your home!

Living, Loving, and Laughing my way through Fall! 

Patti

A Crazy, "D"lish, Chocolatey, Mocha, Trifle!

Have you EVER craved a crazy, insanely, delicious, and delectable looking and heavenly tasting dessert?  A dessert you can proudly serve to company, OR just  have on hand for... one of those days?  Well, I assure you that I have just the recipe for you!  Be prepared to be swept away on waves of Chocolaty, 'Mochay' (my blog~my word lol) Crazy, Goodness.  This is a family and company favorite that will be sure to send shock waves of 'yumminess' right to the tips of your toes'!

You have to have a Lovely Trifle Dish, and decorating the trifle dish for the season is a must, as this dessert is a 'dessert for all Season's'!  I got a trifle dish on sale for $10.00. To decorate my dish for summer I used:

• Burlap
• Raffia
• A sunflower with a spray of berries

I cut my burlap in a circle to tie up around the bowl, and secured with the raffia.  I then tied a raffia bow, with the flower spray inserted in the center of the bow to be held in place.  And in a snap a crazy, cute trifle bowl, waiting for some yummy goodness.

This is a Recipe I got from Pampered Chef, but as usual, I have altered the ingredients to suit my taste buds! So here is my list of Secret Ingredients! 
You will need:

• Brownie mix (any brand will do ~ 19 ounces)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• Large package Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
• 3 cups milk
• 1 Tbsp. of Instant Coffee ~ any brand
• 1 Tbsp. hot water
• 1 Large container Cool Whip
• 1 bag toffee chips (I use Heath Chips found with Chocolate chips)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 13x9" pan.  Mix the brownies according to directions using the water, oil, and eggs.  Bake according to directions.  Allow to cool and then cut into 1" cubes

Make your chocolate pudding according to directions using the milk... set aside

Mix your 1 Tbsp. Instant Coffee with your 1 Tbsp. of hot water until crystals are dissolved, then add directly to your whip topping.  Mix well.

In the bottom of your Trifle dish, layer 1/2 of your brownie cubes.  Add 1/2 of your pudding mixture on top of brownies and spread out.  Add 1/2 of your whipped topping mixture and spread.  Sprinkle half of the toffee chips on top.  REPEAT LAYERS in same order.  SO PRETTY!

Cover and refrigerate at least four hours before serving.  And ~ refrigerate leftovers.  Pull your beautiful Trifle out of your fridge, plate it up on some pretty china and prepare yourself for the oooo's and ahhhhh's that will be coming your way.  The great thing about this dessert is, that it is sweet, but with the coffee addition, it keeps it from being 'overly' sweet.  Have no doubt that this is a Crazy, Decadent, Dessert, fit for the finest of company!  Or just to say to your family... 'You are Special'... or a perfect midnight snack... think I will go grab a spoon and have some right now!  = )

Enjoy making, creating.

 and then eating this fabulous dessert.

Living, Loving and Laughing with chocolate on my mouth...

Patti