AUTUMN APPLE BUCKLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°. Butter and flour a 10-inch springform pan.
• MAKE THE CRUMB TOPPING:.
• In a food processor, pulse the flour with the brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest and salt.
• Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles moist sand.
• Add the walnuts and pulse 3 times.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl and press into large crumbs.
• MAKE THE BATTER:.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder, ginger and salt.
• In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
• Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Beat in the honey.
• Add the lemon zest, vanilla and eggs and beat until smooth.
• Add the dry ingredients in 2 batches, alternating with the half-and-half and beat at low speed until smooth.
• Fold in the apples.
• Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Sprinkle with the crumb topping.
• Bake the buckle in the center of the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool for at least 1 hour before unhinging the springform and removing the ring.
• Cut the buckle into wedges and serve with sweetened whipped cream.
• MAKE AHEAD:.
• The buckle can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.