CROWNED APPLE CAKE

Steps:

• Place oven rack in lower third of oven and pre-heat to 350º.
• Grease a 10-inch tube pan with removable bottom- bundt pan is not recommended for this recipe.
• Peel and core the apples; slice 1/4" thick.
• Place other topping ingredients in bowl.
• Add apples and toss to coat, then set aside.
• Put flour, sugar, oil, eggs, orange juice, baking powder, vanilla and salt.
• Mix at low speed to combine, then at medium speed until completely blended, about 2 minutes.
• Pour 1/3 of the batter into the pan.
• Arrange 1/3 of the apples on top of the batter and sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
• Pour another 1/3 of the batter on top of the apples and arrange another 1/3 of the apples on top.
• Pour the remaining batter on the apples and smooth the top.
• Arrange the rest of the apples around the center tube, forming a"crown".
• Spoon 2 tablespoons of liquid from the bowl that had contained the apples over the top and decorate with nut halves, if using.
• Place cake on rimmed baking sheet and bake for 75 ot 85 minutes, until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• If top appears to be getting too brown, cover it loosely with foil.
• Remove cake from oven and cool 10 minutes.
• Run knife or spatual around the edge of pan and remove side.
• Cool to room temperature, then run knife or spatula around the center tube and bottom.
• Lift cake onto serving plate.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or can be frozen.