I consider this style of cake a snack cake, and it’s one of my favorite things to bake. It’s a very simple batter, not too thick, topped with apples arranged in a pretty pattern. It’s not too sweet and makes a tasty afternoon snack with coffee or tea. Find the recipe on the Canal House web site – it’s in their free PDF preview of the volume 7 book.

• Apple Cake (Canal House Cooking Volume No. 7: La Dolce Vita)