Brown Sugar Apple Cake for 12 Slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform or cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith apples into 1/2 inch cubes and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale (approximately 3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Lower the mixer speed and add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk (dry-wet-dry-wet-dry). Mix only until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
7. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire cooling rack.
11. Prepare the glaze by melting 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan, then stirring in brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
12. Drizzle the warm brown sugar glaze over the cooled cake before slicing.