Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger together in a bowl to ensure even distribution.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is slightly pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
Gently fold in the chopped apples and lemon zest, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter. The mixture will look thick but moist with bits of apple visible.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Place it in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While baking, your kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of spices and baking apples. The top should turn a golden brown and feel firm to the touch when ready.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps develop a tender crumb and prevents sogginess.
Slice the cake once cooled—you should see hearty chunks of apple nestled in a moist, spiced crumb with a slightly crisp top. Serve with a dollop of cream or a cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
