Polish Apple Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples
   Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the dough.
2. Make the dough
   In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Prepare the baking dish
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Divide the dough into two portions, with one slightly larger than the other (about 60/40 ratio).
4. Assemble the cake
   Press the larger portion of dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared baking dish. Layer the apple mixture evenly over the dough. Grate or crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apples to create a rustic crumb topping.
5. Bake the cake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.