Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Make the Batter

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
4. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.

Bake the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan.
2. Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.