• 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. salt

• 2-1/2 lb. granny smith apples (about 4
large)

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp. butter, softened

• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/8 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Peel apples and cut into 1/4" thick wedges. Set aside.

3. Place pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Stir together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl until blended.

4. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in apples and 1 cup pecans. Batter will be very thick, similar to cookie dough.

5. Spread batter into a lightly greased 13"×9" pan.

6. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 45 minutes. Spread with frosting and decorate top with pecans.

1. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.

2. Gradually add sugar and salt, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.