Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened1 cup packed brown sugar3 large eggs, room temperature2 cups unsweetened applesauce2 tablespoons apple brandy3 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon3/4 teaspoon ground allspice1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg3 medium tart apples, peeled cored and chopped, about 3 cups1 cup finely chopped pecansHot caramel ice cream topping, optional
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 13x9-in. baking pan.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until well blended, about 3 minutes. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in applesauce and brandy. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; gradually add to butter mixture. Fold in apples and pecans.
Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40-50 minutes. Cool completely. If desired, top with caramel topping.
