This was a favorite recipe of my grandmother, Martha Antoinetta Sophia Andreasen Christensen.  My grandmother immigrated to this country via Ellis Island with my mother many decades ago, from Randers, Denmark. She had been an indentured servant since she was very small, as her mother died when she was very young; my grandmother was left all alone. But she survived and maintained a love of the recipes of her childhood, which came with her across the seas. Wienerbrod (Danish pastries) meant company was coming. I used to get a bit tired of Danish Applecake – we had it every holiday for all of my early memories.  It was always served with a big dollop of pure whipping cream. When I recently tried a vegan version, it was a big hit with the little ones who had not tried it before.  In fact, asking for thirds had only happened once before, and that was for ice cream!  This is a simple recipe and a nice light treat – once in awhile.

Use 1-1/2 cups fined crushed vegan graham crackers (try Keebler); crush in your blender, or put in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break down the bits and pieces.  About two internal packages of commercially prepared grahams are about right.

Melt 1/4 C. of Earth Balance.  Add to the graham cracker crumbs, along with 3 Tb. brown sugar.  Mix well, then brown lightly in a frying pan before placing in the pan.  Place half the crumbs in a large glass pan, pressing down firmly.

Pour 2 C. applesaurce on top of the crumb mixture.  Spread evenly, and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.

Top the applesauce with the remaining graham cracker mixture.  Cover and chill for several hours or overnight.

Serve with a vegan cream topping in small dessert dishes.  Try with cashew cream:

Place a few handfuls of raw cashews in your blender. Cover with soymilk or soy cream.  Add 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1-2 TB. vegan sugar. Blend for a few minutes, stopping to allow your blender to cool down if necessary.  Mixture should be completely smooth; it will be somewhat liquid. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for several hours (at least one) before serving.

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