Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake
Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake is a delightful treat that brings back the comforting nostalgia of home baking. This cake is a warm hug in dessert form, combining the rich flavors of softened butter, sweet cooking apples, and just a hint of crunch from the demerara sugar sprinkled on top. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a simple dessert after a family meal. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and yields a cake that’s hard to resist!
What Goes into This Lovely Apple Cake
To make Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Butter: 225g (1 cup) softened
- Caster Sugar: 225g (1 cup)
- Self-Raising Flour: 275g (2 cups)
- Baking Powder: 2 tsp
- Eggs: 4 large
- Cooking Apples (e.g., Bramley): 450g (1 lb), peeled, cored, and chopped
- Demerara Sugar: 2 tbsp (for topping)
Step-by-Step Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake Recipe
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake tin to ensure an easy release later.
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Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, caster sugar, self-raising flour, baking powder, and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture until the batter is smooth and well-combined. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Prepare the Apples: While the batter is mixing, take your cooking apples and peel, core, and chop them into small pieces.
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Fold in the Apples: Carefully fold the chopped apples into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
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Pour into the Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface with a spatula for that perfect finish.
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Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will add a delightful crunch to your cake once baked.
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Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving plate. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve This Delicious Cake
The best way to serve Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake is to slice it into generous wedges and arrange them on a lovely cake stand. For an elegant touch, add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of fluffy whipped cream on the side. This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home.
Helpful Tricks for Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake
- Choose the Right Apples: Using a tart apple like Bramley will balance the sweetness of the cake and provide that classic apple flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Variations: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and flavor, or swap out some of the apples for nuts or raisins for a delightful twist.
Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Bramley apples are perfect for baking, you can use other varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji apples for a different flavor profile.
What is self-raising flour, and can I use regular flour instead?
Self-raising flour has baking powder already mixed in. If you don’t have it, you can substitute regular flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to make your own self-raising flour.
How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?
A good way to check is by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready!
Give Mary Berry’s Old Fashioned Apple Cake a try and experience the comforting flavors and textures that will surely leave you wanting more! Happy baking!
Old Fashioned Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, caster sugar, self-raising flour, baking powder, and eggs. Beat the mixture until smooth and well-combined, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Peel, core, and chop the cooking apples into small pieces.
- Carefully fold the chopped apples into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the top, then bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving plate.
