Chunky Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Southern Living, SEPTEMBER 2001

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
  
• Cream Cheese Frosting
  
• Chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)
  

Directions:

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl until blended.
2. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in apple slices and 1 cup walnuts.
3. Spread into a greased 13- x 9-inch pan.
4. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
5. Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting; sprinkle with walnuts, if desired. 

Cream Cheese Frosting

 Ingredients:
•  1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add sugar and salt, beating until blended.
3. Stir in vanilla.