Apple Kuchen

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch springform cake pan with baking spray or butter.
2. Peel, quarter and core the apples. Slice each quarter into thin slices without cutting all the way through. (Try using a pair of chopsticks on either side of the apple quarter to prevent cutting through.) Set the apples aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar for two minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, lemon zest and juice and the vanilla. Beat for another 30 seconds.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
6. On low speed, alternate mixing the flour mixture and the milk into the butter mixture until combined.
7. Spread the batter into the cake pan. Arrange the apple quarters into a flower shape on top of the batter.
8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool on a wire rack until completely cooled before removing from the pan.
10. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Additional Notes:

1. Use a combination of apples for best results. Try a mix of Fuji, Piñata, Pink Lady or Gala.
2.  If using a dark metal pan, be sure to thinly slice your apples and reduce baking time to 40 to 45 minutes.