Norwegian Apple Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples
   Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning and set aside.
2. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or line with parchment paper.
3. Mix dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until well combined.
4. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Assemble the cake
   Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the apple slices over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top. Arrange the remaining apple slices in a decorative pattern on top of the cake. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and pearl sugar if using.
7. Bake the cake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. If the cake starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This cake is delicious on its own or served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.