Swedish Apple Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples
   Toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons sugar with the cinnamon, then toss with the apples until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Make the batter
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just combined. The batter will be thick.
3. Assemble the cake
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Spread about two-thirds of the batter in the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated apple slices on top of the batter, gently pressing them slightly into the batter. Dollop the remaining batter over the apples, leaving some apples visible. If using, sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
4. Bake the cake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
5. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan. Let cool for at least 30 minutes more before serving. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.