Apple Toffee Celebration

I had apples, I had toffee, and I was home alone with the KitchenAid . . . and so, Apple Toffee Cake was born. Inspired by a recipe found on "The Canadian Baker" blog.
.
Beat together until light and fluffy 1/2 cup butter, softened, with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Add 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla. In another bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder with a pinch of salt. Fold in gently to butter and sugar mixture, alternating with 1 1/2 cups whole milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Then, gently add about 3 cups chopped apples (about 4).
.
Spread into a well-greased 13 by 9 inch baking pan. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 15 minutes.
.
While cake is baking, make the topping. Combine 1 package (about 1 1/2 cups) toffee bits with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 4 to 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Add 2 teaspoons cinnamon if desired. Mix well. Remove cake from oven and sprinkle evenly with topping. Return cake to oven to complete baking -- another 15 to 20 minutes.
.
Cool slightly before serving -- a scoop of ice cream finishes the dessert beautifully.

.

Illustration by Vermont artist and writer Sharon Biddle.