Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 8x4 (20 cm x 10 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Wash, peel, and core the apples. Then, cut them into quarters and slice thinly using a mandoline or potato peeler. Aim for slices around 0.05 inches (1.5 mm) thick. Set the sliced apples aside.

Step 3

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. If desired, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of granulated sweetener, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon zest at this stage. Stir everything well until combined.

Step 4

Once the custard ingredients are well-mixed, gently fold in the thinly sliced apples. Make sure they are evenly distributed in the mixture.

Step 5

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into even layers.

Step 6

Bake on the middle rack of a preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.