Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the cake! Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Peel and core the apples, then slice them very thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Gently fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring that each slice is well coated. This part can get a little messy, but it’s worth it!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

The first time I made this cake, I remember thinking it looked a little too rustic, with apple slices peeking through the surface. But as my family dug in, the rustic charm became part of its appeal. Remember, home cooking is about embracing the imperfections!