01 - 
                Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
              
              
              
                02 - 
                Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
              
              
              
                03 - 
                In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
              
              
              
                04 - 
                In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth.
              
              
              
                05 - 
                Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
              
              
              
                06 - 
                Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the apple slices in a single layer over the batter.
              
              
              
                07 - 
                Dollop the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the apples. Arrange the remaining apple slices in a decorative pattern on top.
              
              
              
                08 - 
                In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
              
              
              
                09 - 
                Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown, the apples are tender, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
              
              
              
                10 - 
                Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce.