1. Preheat the oven to 325 F (170 C). Grease an 8-inch (20cm) springform pan, then line the bottom and sides of it with baking parchment. If using, put the sultana raisins and the water in a saucepan and simmer on low heat until the water has been absorbed completely. Set aside to cool. 2. Sift the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and baking soda into a bowl. 3. Put the oil and sugar in a bowl. Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the bowl (or add extract). Whisk the oil, sugar and vanilla together (you could do this with an electric mixer with a paddle attachment). Gradually add the eggs to the mixture and mix until smooth and thick. Mix in the diced apples, sultanas and lemon zest. Add the dry ingredients, folding in gently (you can do this all at once). 4. In a clean bowl whisk the egg whites until they have a soft meringue consistency. Gently fold them into the batter, in 2 additions. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the surface. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 1/2 hours or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. When completely cooled, remove the cake from the tin and cut in half horizontally using a large serrated knife to form 2 discs. 6. To make the icing, beat together the butter and maple syrup and sugar until light and airy. Next add in the cream cheese and beat until it’s totally smooth (preferably with the whisk attachment). Use half of the icing to the sandwich the cakes together, and smooth the remaining frosting up on top. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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