New Year, New Apple Cake

I saw this cake in the paper recently and found it hard to get out of my mind.  Not that it's bad to have cakes on the brain, but it can get a little distracting sometimes.  And hunger-inducing.  But a recipe that was well-loved, buttery, apply, beautiful, and easy should not be ignored.  The batter mixed up in about five minutes.  Thinly sliced raw apples are arranged on top -- and that part did take some time, but the sunflower effect isn't necessary.  This would be just as good with chopped up apples tumbled on top.  Pears could also be used, or even berries or stone fruit would work as well.  I served it with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream.