Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the butter, milk and egg. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Spread the batter into a buttered cake pan or pie plate.

Peel the apples, core them and cut into quarters. Cut each quarter into three thick slices and stick them pointy side into the batter, fitting them together tightly. Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cake is springy and golden. Serves 8.