Candy Apple Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup red-hot cinnamon candies
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple juice, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon red food color
• 4 large Granny Smith apples, cored and coarsely chopped
• 1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix*
• 1 small box instant vanilla pudding
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the cinnamon candies, sugar, 1/2 cup apple juice and food color. Heat over high heat, stirring until candies dissolve.
3. Add apples and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the apples are tender; spoon into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream and the remaining 1/2 cup apple juice; mix well and spoon over the apple mixture, spreading to completely cover.
5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly, then invert over a serving platter. Allow to cool completely.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

* 18.25 ounce boxes of cake mix have been replaced by 16.5 ounce and 15.25 ounce boxes. To compensate for the volume loss in a 16 ounce box, whisk 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the dry cake mix before proceeding with the recipe. To compensate for the volume loss in a 15.25 ounce box, add 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.