Candy Apple Cake

Candy Apple Cake

1 cup red-hot cinnamon candies
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup apple juice, divided
1/2 tsp. red food coloring
4 large Granny Smith apples, cored and coarsely chopped
1 pkg. yellow cake mix (18.25 oz)
1 pkg. (4-serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream

Heat oven to 350. Grease a 9X13 pan; set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the cinnamon candies, sugar, 1/2 cup apple juice, and food color. Heat over high heat, stirring until candies dissolve. Add apples and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender; spoon into the baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream and the remaining 1/2 cup apple juice; mix well and spoon
over the apple mixture, spreading to completely cover. Bake for 30- 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly, then invert on a serving platter.

Allow to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.