Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan, tapping out excess flour.

Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, Add vanilla, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, salt, buttermilk (or yogurt or dairy sour cream), and eggs. Whisk together flour, baking soda and baking powder. Stir in the flour mixture, just until well blended.

Spread half the batter in the pan in an even layer. Top with half the apples, Spread remaining batter over the tops of apples. Finish by spreading the top layer and arranging the remaining apples over the top. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon.

Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out nearly clean.

Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool for 5 more minutes.

Makes 12 servings.

Submitted by: CM