Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x2-inch round baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine the brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl; pour into the bottom of the pan. Arrange the apples over the brown sugar mixture.
Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Beat the sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter in a large bowl at medium speed for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
At low speed, beat in the cottage cheese and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk.
Spread the batter over the apples in the pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Run a small knife around the edge and invert the cake onto a serving platter. Cool completely before slicing and serving.