1cup(113g)tart baking apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
Instructions
For the topping
Position the oven rack to the center and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray. Line the inside bottom with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit. Spray the parchment paper lightly with non-stick spray.
In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, stir together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, until it becomes creamy and bubbles lightly. Remove the pan from the heat.
Pour the glaze into the bottom of the cake pan. Gently tilt the pan to help the glaze spread evenly over the bottom.
Arrange the apple slices in the pan by placing them side by side around the outer edge of the pan. (The slices should be touching each other with the tips pointing toward the center of the pan) Arrange more slices in the middle, slightly overlapping the apples that are already in place. Gently press the apples down into the glaze so that they touch the bottom of the pan.
For the cake
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one. Beat in the maple syrup and vanilla.
Add half the flour mixture, mixing just until almost fully combined. Mix in the apple cider. Add the remaining flour mixture, mix until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl until well blended. Fold in the chopped apples. The batter will be thick.
Carefully pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan, be careful not to disturb the arrangement. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter out into a smooth layer to the edge of the pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is a rich golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Place a serving platter over the top of the cake pan and flip them both over to invert the cake out onto the platter. Replace any apples that may have moved or stuck to the pan.
Cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cake flour: Cake flour is key to the cake’s tender crumb. I don’t recommend substituting it. You can find cake flour on the baking aisle at your local market.
Apples: I used granny smith apples but any tart baking apple will work this recipe.
Apple cider: Apple cider will give the cake the best flavor. Apple juice is the next best thing if you don’t have cider. You can also use whole milk if you prefer.
Make ahead tip
The baked and cooled cake will keep for up to 5 days covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator.
The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before serving.