Molly O'Neill's Apple Cake

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Generously butter a 9 1/2-by-12-inch baking pan and set aside.

3. 3

   Cut the apples into quarters, peel, core and then slice as thinly as possible.

4. 4

   Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

5. 5

   Add the apples and toss to combine.

6. 6

   Add 1/2 cup of the sugar and toss, cooking until the apples are barely limp, about 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Carefully remove the apples and set aside.

8. 8

   Return the skillet to the heat and cook until the juices begin to turn gold.

9. 9

   Remove immediately and set aside.

10. 10

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining sugar and the flour with the baking powder.

11. 11

    In a second bowl, beat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter with the lemon zest.

12. 12

    Add the milk, the salt and the lightly beaten eggs and yolks to the butter mixture, stirring with a fork to combine.

13. 13

    Beating constantly with a fork or whisk, add the sugar and flour mixture until combined.

14. 14

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, top with the apples, drizzle the honey-hued juice over the apples and bake for about 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake can be removed dry.

15. 15

    Serve immediately, with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or mascarpone cheese if desired.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.