Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. This ensures a gentle heat throughout during baking.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
Prepare the butter mixture: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and helps create a tender final product.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to add that extra hint of flavor.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until everything is well combined. Do not overmix!
Fold in the filling: Gently fold in the sliced apples and cinnamon until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the apple slices to cool in the baking dish before slicing them up. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence!