Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C/Gasmark 4.

Step 2

Grease a 2 litre ovenproof dish with a little bit of butter.

Step 3

Peel, core and slice the apples. Layer the apples in the base of the prepared dish, sprinkling the sugar between each layer. Drizzle with lemon juice if using. Set aside.

Step 4

Cream the butter and sugar together on high speed using an electric mixer until a pale yellow colour.

Step 5

Add one egg and the vanilla essence, if using, with a spoon of flour and mix together at medium speed. Add the other egg and a spoon of flour, then mix until combined.

Step 6

Reduce the mixer speed to low and start adding the flour spoon by spoon.

Step 7

Add the milk a tablespoon at a time to give a soft, dropping batter consistency.

Step 8

Spread the sponge batter over the apples. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 40 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Best served warm with custard sauce or whipped cream.