Top this comforting dessert with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or creme fraiche.

Streusel Apple Pie Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - divided use
1 cup butter

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

About 10 to 12 (4 to 4 1/2 pounds) tart green apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles the texture of tiny split peas. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, mixing well.
4. Place apple slices in a large bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice and toss with the sugar/cinnamon mixture to coat well.
5. Pile the apples high onto the pressed crust (apples will shrink considerably during baking). Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
6. Place pan on an aluminum foil–lined baking sheet, and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until nicely browned and apples are tender.
7. Remove from oven and immediately run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen, then cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Note: Recipe can be halved and baked in a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Baking time is the same.