Apple Cake 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing the dish 1-2 apples, peeled and sliced into 12 pieces 1 3/4 cups sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter a 9-inch glass pie dish and arrange the apples in the dish, cut side down. Combine 1 cup of the granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over high heat until it turns a warm amber color, about 360 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Swirl the pan but don't stir. Pour evenly over the apple slices. Meanwhile, cream the 6 tablespoons of butter and the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer f, until light and fluffy. Lower the speed and beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the sour cream, zest, and vanilla and mix until combined. Sift together the flour, baking powder add it to the butter mixture. Mix only until combined. Pour the cake batter evenly over the apple slices and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes, then invert the cake onto a flat plate. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar.
