May 15, 2009, 4:58 pm
On my quest to find the perfect apple cake recipe, I stumbled upon The Inn at Narrow Passage’s Shenandoah Apple Cake. Ellen Markel, innkeeper with husband Ed Markel at the Inn, claims this is the best apple cake recipe she’s found, and has been using it for atleast 30 years! I put Ellen’s claim to the test, and our team unanimously agrees—Shenandoah Apple Cake will have you coming back for seconds!
The Inn at Narrow Passage is located near Woodstock, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley just west of Shenandoah National Park. The area is well known for its apple orchards, fitting for such a delicious recipe! If you can’t stop by the Inn to try a piece of Shenandoah Apple Cake, throw on your apron and try making it from the comfort of your own kitchen.
For rates and availability, activities, directions, a history of the area, and more, visit the Inn at Narrow Passage’s website by clicking here.
Shenandoah Apple Cake
INGREDIENTS
5 apples, pared, cored, and thinly sliced (I used Galas, but you can use your favorite variety or whatever is seasonal/local—Ellen uses Granny Smith, but suggests that any tart apple will do.)
5 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tbsp. cinnamon
4 eggs
2 c.sugar
3 c. flour
1 c. oil
2 and 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. baking powder
Juice of one orange (1/4 c.) (if you don’t have an orange, you can just use juice straight from the carton!)
DIRECTIONS
Mix first three ingredients together and set aside.
Beat eggs with sugar, add oil, flour, baking powder, vanilla, and orange juice.
Beginning with batter, alternate layers in a greased and floured ring pan, ending with batter.
Save th apples to decorate the top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr. and 10 min. Cool on a wire rack and remove from pan. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar before serving, if desired.
This recipe was graciously provided by Ed and Ellen Markel, Innkeepers, The Inn at Narrow Passage, Historic Lodging on the Shenandoah River, PO Box 608, Woodstock, VA 22664, Toll Free: 800-459-8002.
