Dessert recipe: Apple cake

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

4 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch wedges

1/4 cup plus 1 cup sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

HOW TO

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.

2. Toss the apples with 1/4 cup of the sugar and the cinnamon.

3. Cream the butter with an electric mixer; when fluffy, add 1 cup of the sugar and beat until again light and fluffy. Add the flour and baking powder; beat to incorporate. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until the mixture is well-blended. Transfer to the prepared pan and spread evenly.

4. Starting around the outer edge of the pan, arrange the apple slices in concentric circles, allowing each row to slightly overlap. Bake, rotating once, until a cake tester comes out clean, about 1 hour.

5. Allow to cool in the pan 20 minutes; run a knife around the edge and remove the sides. Cool completely on a wire rack. Makes 8 servings.