Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them gently with a little lemon juice if desired to prevent browning.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes slightly frothy and lightens in color.
Add the melted butter to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined and smooth.
Sift the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and baking soda together into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients in using a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
Gently fold the apple slices into the batter, distributing them evenly for a rustic, chunky texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
If desired, drizzle a little caramel sauce across the top for a sweet, smoky swirl.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You'll notice the aroma of warm spices and sweet apples filling the kitchen.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The cake will be soft and fragrant with a slightly crackly top.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the tender apples, spiced crumb, and rustic golden crust.
