Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set aside while preparing the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Milk

• Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. Stir in the milk to loosen the mixture slightly, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Transfer to the Cake Tin

• Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with demerara sugar for a crunchy finish.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.