Gooey Caramel Apple Cake

In a mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat together sugar, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring just until blended. Stir in apples.

Pour apple cake batter into a greased 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F until cake springs back when touched lightly in the center, about 30 to 40 minutes.

With a fork, pierce cake all over. Pour hot caramel topping over cake. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping.

For Caramel Topping: Combine brown sugar, butter, and cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour caramel topping over hot apple cake.