Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, enhancing the cake’s texture.

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest into the mixture. Mix well until fully combined, creating a lovely aroma that will warm your kitchen.

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk or yogurt, until just combined and smooth.

Fold in the sliced apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Top the cake batter with reserved apple slices for a beautiful presentation, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.