Use only as much water as you need to cook apples slightly. Add a bit of cinnamon. Drain if necessary and allow to cool. For the batter, place dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse to blend. Add remaining ingredients in order given and process to make a smooth batter.
Place apples pieces over bottom of prepared pan.
Top with batter. Place pan on a baking sheet and then place in oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until cake springs back when gently touched. Cool well and slice in the pan.