Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease the baking pan to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing just until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces, then gently fold them into the batter, distributing evenly.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter for a caramelized crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan; the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen.
Slice into square or wedges, revealing tender apples embedded in moist, spiced cake with a crispy topping.
Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the comforting aroma and rich flavors of this homemade apple cake.
