Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper (or grease and flour).
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 mins).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
3. Arrange the Apples:
In a bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
Spread cake batter evenly into prepared pan.
Starting from the outside edge, arrange apple slices in a tight spiral pattern over the batter, slightly overlapping. (See photo for inspiration!)
4. Bake:
Brush apple slices lightly with melted butter.
Bake 45–55 minutes, until cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve:
Dust generously with powdered sugar (and optional cinnamon sugar) before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature — great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
💡 Tips & Variations:
Extra sweet? Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Add crunch? Sprinkle chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) between apple layers.
Spicy kick? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture.
Gluten-free? Substitute GF all-purpose flour blend (add ½ tsp xanthan gum if not included).
Vegan? Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, and almond milk.
This apple cake is tender, fragrant, and visually stunning — exactly like your photo! The spiral apple topping turns simple ingredients into something special.
Let me know if you want a Dutch baby-style version, a mini muffin adaptation, or a bourbon-caramel twist! 🍏🍰✨ (Perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself.)
