Apple-Cognac Crumb Cake
From Martha StewartCrumb cake made with Cognac and topped with sweet apples will have everyone asking for seconds.
Serves 16
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
For the Apple Topping
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 medium baking apples, such as Empire, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
1/4 cup Cognac
For the Crumb Topping
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup creme fraiche
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon Cognac
Method
Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray an 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line pan with two pieces of parchment paper, creating a 1-inch overhang on all sides of the pan. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray.
Make the Apple Topping: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until butter becomes golden brown and fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and add sugar, 1/4 cup water, and apples. Cook until apples have softened slightly and liquid is thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Cognac, working carefully as alcohol may ignite. Return to heat, and cook until alcohol evaporates, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and, using your fingers, mix together to form large crumbs; set aside.
Make the Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add creme fraiche, egg, yolk, and Cognac; mix until well combined. Add flour mixture and mix until well combined.
Pour cake mixture into prepared baking pan. Top with apples and their liquid to cover; sprinkle evenly with crumb topping. Transfer to oven and bake until a tester inserted into the center of cake comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
