Thousand Layer Apple Cake (Invisible Apple Cake)

Ingredients

• 6-8 apples
• orange zest
• fresh orange juice
• 2 eggs
• 150g caster sugar
• 100ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 100g all-purpose flour
• apricot jam
• icing sugar

Instructions

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly, about 1-2 millimetres thick. A mandolin works best for this.
2. Add orange zest and fresh orange juice to the apple slices. Mix well so every slice is coated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and caster sugar until pale and smooth.
4. Add melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk again.
5. Add the flour and mix just until combined. The batter will be very thin, which is correct.
6. Pour the batter over the apples and mix thoroughly so every slice is coated.
7. Line a loaf tin with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
8. Transfer the apples into the tin. Layer them neatly or press them in naturally, but pack them tightly. Pour over any remaining batter.
9. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for about an hour. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
10. Once baked, cool for 15 minutes before brushing with warm apricot jam for shine.
11. Let it cool completely before lifting out.
12. Slice, dust with icing sugar, and serve warm or at room temperature.