a really yummy fresh apple cake & easy homemade icing

I'm still on an apple kick. They're just so stinkin delicious :)

I found this recipe in Southern Living and loved the way it turned out! Super easy as well...

Fresh Apple Cake
2 Cups Chopped Pecans
1/2 Cup Butter, Melted
2 Cups Sugar
2 Large Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
2 cups all-purpose Flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
4 Large Granny Smith Apples

Preheat oven to 350 and bake Pecans in a single layer for 5 - 7 min or until lightly toasted & fragrant. Stir together butter, sugar, eggs, & vanilla until blended. Combine flour, cinnamon, soda, & salt. Add to butter mixture, stirring until blended. Peel & chop apples into1/4 inch-thick wedges. Stir in apples & 1 1/4 cup pecans. Batter will be very thick. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan, and bake @ 350 for 45 min. Cool completely before covering w/ Browned-Butter Frosting & remaining pecans.
I got a little excited about icing the cake and thought midway through i might should show you what the cake looked like plain, because it would be a wonderful without the icing as well!

Browned Butter Frosting
1 cup Butter
1 16oz package powdered sugar
1/4 Cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla

Cook Butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for 6 - 8 minutes, or until butter begins to turn golden brown. Remove pan from heat & pour butter into a small bowl. Cover & chill 1 hour,or until butter begins to solidify. Beat Butter at medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating w/ milk (Beginning & ending with sugar. Beat Mixture at low speed until well blended after each addition. Stir in Vanilla.
The Final product!

Enjoy this beautiful Fall Monday.