Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This creates a flavorful dry base for the batter.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until slightly frothy, then add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be a bit lumpy.
Fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This gives the cake with bursts of apple flavor and moisture.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
While the cake bakes, toast the chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 3-5 minutes. Toss frequently to prevent burning.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sprinkle the toasted nuts and brown sugar evenly over the cooled cake, adding a tasty crunch and sweet finish.
Slice and enjoy this moist, spiced apple cake with crunchy nut topping—perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.
