Italian apple cake, moist and fragrant with cinnamon, is every nonna's signature recipe. This beloved mediterranean dessert is a family baking tradition.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly; toss them gently with half the cinnamon and lemon zest.
Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time for a uniform texture.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt; add alternately with milk to the butter mixture, blending on low until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Fold two-thirds of the apples into the batter, spread evenly in the pan, arrange remaining apple slices decoratively on top, sprinkle with remaining cinnamon, and bake for 50–55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.