Step 1

Preheat oven to 170 degrees Celsius.

Step 2

Cut baking paper into a circle 8 inches in diameter and line the bottom of the pan with it.

Step 3

Grease the base (baking paper) and sides of the pan with vegan butter or melted coconut oil.

Step 4

Cut the apple into four (no need to peel), clean the core, and cut each apple quarter into four slices. You get a total of 16 apple slices.

Step 5

Transfer the apple slices to a bowl, pour boiling water to cover, and cover with a lid. Set aside for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, you can mix the dry and the wet ingredients in two separate bowls as follows:

Step 6

Strain the apple slices.** Place 14 apple slices in a circle on the bottom of the pan with the baking paper; place the remaining two pieces in the center - (see image).

Step 7

Sift the flour into a medium-deep bowl and add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix with a fork or whisk.

Step 8

In a large bowl, mix melted butter or coconut oil, apple puree, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt; In a small bowl, combine the milk with the apple cider vinegar, add the milk to the batter and mix well.

Step 9

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring until the dry mixture is absorbed into the batter.

Step 10

Pour the batter into the pan over the apple slices, flatten with a spoon or spatula, Place in the hot oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 11

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 12

Once the cake has cooled completely, remove the cake from the pan, turn it over on a serving plate and carefully remove the baking paper.

Step 13

Although this is a no-processed-sugar cake, you can make an exception from time to time, and sprinkle powdered sugar on top :) Enjoy❤️