Step 1

Pre-heat the oven to 175ºC (350ºF). Grease a rectangle or square springform pan (I used a 28cm x 20cm pan - size doesn't matter too much, you would just need to adjust the baking time).

Step 2

Cut the apples into thin slices and add to a bowl along with the brown sugar and cinnamon. I use tons of cinnamon so feel free to reduce the amount stated here. Stir until well combined then put to one side.

Step 3

For the cake: beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and vanilla sugar then add the the wet ingredients and stir in. Add the milk and continue to mix until everything is evenly dispersed (the batter will be thick).

Step 5

Pour into the greased pan and spread the batter out towards the corners. Place the prepared apples in a pretty pattern on top. Sprinkle with pearl sugar.

Step 6

Bake for around 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm or allow to cool completely. Enjoy.