When you think of classic desserts, apple cake is always a contender. It’s a comforting, homey treat that never goes out of style. Mary Berry’s Apple Cake recipe is a prime example of how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special.
This cake is all about letting the natural flavors of the apples shine through. The tender fruit is nestled in a moist, cinnamon-spiced batter that bakes up to golden perfection. It’s the kind of cake you can whip up on a whim, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Mary Berry’s straightforward recipe makes it easy for bakers of all levels to achieve impressive results. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the kitchen, this apple cake is sure to become a go-to dessert in your repertoire.
So, if you’re ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked apple cake, let’s dive into this recipe and create something delicious together!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 8 people
What is Mary Berry Apple Cake?
At its core, Mary Berry’s Apple Cake is a simple, rustic dessert that celebrates the sweet, juicy flavor of apples. The cake batter is made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, and it’s generously studded with sliced apples. As the cake bakes, the apples soften and meld with the batter, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
The finished cake has a golden, slightly crisp top and a moist, tender crumb that’s lightly spiced with cinnamon. It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for casual get-togethers, afternoon tea, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family.
Mary Berry Apple Cake Ingredients
To make this delightful cake, you’ll need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
Steps to Make Mary Berry Apple Cake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a 23cm springform cake tin.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- Arrange half of the sliced apples on top of the batter in a circular pattern.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the top.
- Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter, pressing them down slightly.
- Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
This cake serves 8 people. Here’s the approximate nutritional information for the entire cake:
- Calories: 3,600 kcal
- Fat: 216g
- Saturated Fat: 132g
- Carbohydrates: 408g
- Sugar: 288g
- Protein: 48g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes. To get more accurate nutritional information per serving, simply divide these values by the number of servings (8).
Why You’ll Love Mary Berry Apple Cake
This apple cake is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s a comfort food classic that never goes out of style.
- The cake is super moist and packed with tender, juicy apples.
- It’s easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
- The warm, spiced flavors make it perfect for cozy gatherings or as an everyday treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas:
- Swap the apples for pears and add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter.
- Make it vegan by using vegan margarine and a vegan egg substitute.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
- Stir in some chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle the finished cake with caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftover cake? No problem! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer your cake warm, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Apple Cake is proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most satisfying. With its rustic charm, tender apples, and perfectly spiced flavor, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to celebrate the goodness of apples. So go ahead, slice yourself a big piece, and enjoy!