A delicous and impressive cake with a beautiful interior.
Peel, core and slice the apples into 1/4"-1/3" thick wedges and place in a large bowl.
Sprinkle the first amount of sugar (3 TBS) and cinnamon, and use a rubber spatula to distribute evenly . Set aside while you make the cake.
Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and flour a tube pan. Set aside
In a medium bowl, sift the flour and baking powder, and set aside.
Mix the orange juice and vanilla extract and set aside.
In a bowl of a standing mixer, place the sugar and eggs and beat on medium until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce speed to low and drizzle in the oil, return speed to medium, and beat until fully incorporated.
Add the flour mixture in three additions alternating with the orange juice, starting and finishing with the flour mixture.
Right after adding the last portion of the flour mixture, stop the mixer and finish mixing with a rubber spatula (do not over-mix).
Pour 1/3 of the cake batter (about 400 g /14 oz) into the greased pan and evenly spread using a rubber spatula.
Spread an even layer of the sliced apple on top of the batter.
Repeat the above two steps with the remaining batter and apple slices. Pour any liquids on the last top layer.
Bake for 75-90 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake.
Remove from the oven and let cool before removing the cake.
To remove the cake, use a sharp knife to run along the sides and bottom of the cake. Release the centerpiece of the pan from the sides of the pan and gently remove the cake.