Creating a delicious French Apple Cake can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate Apples: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Once combined, add the chopped apples and nuts, if using. Mix until well coated.
5. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Dust and Serve: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.

Follow these steps for a delightful French Apple Cake that is sure to be a hit among family and friends!