**Caramelized Apple Cake**

**Ingredients:**

**For the Caramelized Apples:**
– 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

**For the Cake Batter:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Caramelized Apples:**
– In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
– Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar has caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.

3. **Make the Cake Batter:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
– In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
– Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

4. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
– Layer the caramelized apples on top of the batter.
– Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading it gently to cover.

5. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

6. **Serve:**
– Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade caramelized apple cake! It’s a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.