Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper.

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. If desired, toss with lemon juice.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional cardamom.

In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Whisk until smooth.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix.

Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan, layer half of the apples over, add remaining batter, and then the rest of the apples.

Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl; sprinkle over the apples on top.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before lifting out and slicing for serving.