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1
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
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2
Lightly butter a 9 inch square pan and dust with flour (you can also use nonstick spray).
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3
For the topping, melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add the apple slices and saute over medium high heat for 2 minutes (stir often). Move the slices to a plate and allow to cool while preparing the cake.
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4
For the cake, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
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5
With an electric mixer, cream the butter (1/2 cup) and cream cheese in a large bowl.
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6
Gradually add in the sugar, 1/2 cup at a time.
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7
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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8
Add the flour, a third at a time, blending well after each addition.
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9
Add the vanilla and lemon zest.
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10
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it with a spoon.
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11
To finish the topping, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
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12
Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you have uniform crumbs.
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13
Sprinkle half of the crumbs over the batter, then add the apple slices.
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14
Top with the apples with the remaining crumbs.
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15
Bake the cake on the center rack for 50-60 minutes. When the cake is done,it will pull away from the sides and the top will be golden brown.
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16
Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.
