Apple Pecan Yeast Cake
An Upside Down Cake which starts with a layer of buttery toasted pecans. Underneath is a sprinkling of cinnamon laced brown sugar that is drizzled with honey. It is reminiscent of a sticky bun, but a whole lot easier to make. Serve it warm from the oven, at room temperature, or even cold. This is sure to become a family favourite.
Ingredients
1/4 cup (55 grams) unsalted butter
1 cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar ,(firmly packed)
1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon
2 Tabs (40 g) honey
1 large firm textured apple (225 g): peeled, cored & thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala)
2 1/4 cups (290 g) plain flour
one – package (7 g) active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons (7 g) SAF Red or Gold Instant Yeast)
1/4 cup (50 g) white sugar
3/4 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
3/4 cup (180 ml/g) very warm milk or water (52 degrees C)
4 Tabs (55 g) warm melted unsalted butter
1 large egg (50 g), at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) pure vanilla extract
1. Butter or spray an 8″ (20 cm) square baking pan, preferably non stick. Leave out egg & butter.
2. In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup (55 g) of butter over medium heat. Add the pecans & cook until the butter & pecans are lightly browned. Remove from heat, evenly spread into your prepared pan.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar & ground cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the pecans. Drizzle with the honey & then evenly place the apple slices on top.
4. Next, with a hand mixer combine the flour, yeast, white sugar & salt. Add milk, melted butter, egg & vanilla: beat, on medium low speed, until the batter is smooth (about 1 minute – it will be sticky). With two spoons, place the batter evenly on top of the sliced apples. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof, in a warm place (about 24 degree C) for about one hour. The batter will be puffy and soft.
5. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees C.
6. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cake has nicely browned & a wooden toothpick, inserted into it’s centre, comes out clean. Immediately invert onto a wire rack that has been placed over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.
