Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Pour the melted butter into the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Spread out the apple slices over the bottom of the pan until it is covered. Set the pan aside.

Step 3

Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together in a small bowl.

Step 4

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar together, then add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue blending until the eggs are just mixed.

Step 5

Mix in the dry ingredients, and when the batter starts to get thick and dry, pour in the applesauce and mix until the batter is smooth.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the cake pan over the apple slices, smooth out the top, and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cake is brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 7

Rest the cake on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes. Place a large plate or cake stand over the cake pan and carefully flip the cake upside down.

Step 8

Tap the cake pan to make sure the apples have released and lift it up. Be very careful and use oven mitts or potholders because the pan will be hot. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.