Marie-Hélène’s Apple Cake

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Apples**:
– Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges or chunks. If you prefer, you can also cut them into larger pieces for more texture. Set the apples aside in a bowl.

#### 2. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake once it’s done.

#### 3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**:
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth and slightly pale. Add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is fully combined.

#### 4. **Combine the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will give the cake its light texture.

#### 5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**:
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. The batter will be somewhat thick, which is typical for this cake.

#### 6. **Fold in the Apples**:
– Gently fold the prepared apple slices into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cake. The apples will give the cake a moist, fruity texture, and some will caramelize slightly as the cake bakes.

#### 7. **Bake the Cake**:
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the center remains tender and moist.

#### 8. **Cool and Serve**:
– Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
– Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finishing touch.

### Why You’ll Love Marie-Hélène’s Apple Cake

1. **Simplicity at Its Best**: One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a cake that tastes like it came from a French patisserie. There’s no need for intricate layers or complicated frosting; this cake celebrates the beauty of simplicity.

2. **Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart**: The apples provide a natural tartness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. Whether you use tart or sweet apples, the combination of flavors in this cake is always harmonious.

3. **Tender, Moist Texture**: The cake itself is dense enough to hold the apples but still light and fluffy in texture. Each bite is a perfect balance of soft cake and slightly caramelized apple pieces.

4. **Versatile Dessert**: This cake is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

5. **Great for All Occasions**: Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or a weekend brunch, Marie-Hélène’s Apple Cake fits every occasion. Its rustic charm makes it perfect for informal gatherings, while its elegant simplicity makes it an impressive dessert for more formal events.

### Tips for Success:

– **Use the Right Apples**: Choosing the right apples is key to making a delicious apple cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala.

– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: To achieve the perfect texture, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.

– **Try Different Spices**: While cinnamon is traditional, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different flavor profile.

– **Add a Streusel Topping**: If you like a little crunch on top, sprinkle some brown sugar and butter on top of the cake before baking for a simple streusel topping that adds extra flavor and texture.

– **Storage**: The cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

### Final Thoughts

Marie-Hélène’s Apple Cake is a true testament to the saying, “less is more.” Its simplicity allows the flavor of the apples to shine, while the tender, buttery cake provides the perfect base. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to make something extraordinary.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a warm, homemade treat, this apple cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Its rustic elegance, combined with the delightful flavors of apples and cinnamon, make it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t lose this recipe—it’s a keeper!