Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake Recipe

The Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake is a classic British bake, packed with tender chunks of apples and a hint of spice. It’s a deliciously moist and comforting cake, perfect for serving with a cup of tea or as a dessert with a dollop of cream or custard. This traditional cake hails from Dorset, a county known for its bountiful apple orchards, making apples the star of the show.

What is Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake?

Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake is a rustic, fruity cake made with fresh apples, flour, butter, sugar, and spices. The apples add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, while the crumb is soft and slightly spiced. The cake can be topped with a sprinkle of sugar for a bit of crunch or served with whipped cream or custard for a decadent dessert.

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• James Martin Chocolate Chip Muffins
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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Packed with Apples: Every bite is filled with chunks of tender, juicy apples.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and perfect for home bakers of all levels.
• Classic British Dessert: A traditional favorite that highlights local British ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for tea time, a snack, or a cozy dessert.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

• Self-raising flour (225g): The base of the cake that helps it rise.
• Butter (125g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Light brown sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake and adds a slight caramel flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake rises well.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice.
• Apples (2-3 medium, peeled, cored, and chopped): The star ingredient, providing moisture and sweetness.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps to loosen the batter.
• Demerara sugar (1 tablespoon): Optional, for sprinkling on top for a crunchy finish.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
• Spatula: For folding in the ingredients.
• 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin: For baking the cake.
• Parchment paper: To line the cake tin.

Instructions to Prepare Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Sift the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Step 6: Add the Apples and Milk

• Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter. Stir in the milk to loosen the mixture slightly, making sure the apples are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Transfer to the Cake Tin

• Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with demerara sugar for extra crunch.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the fruity, spiced cake.
• Custard: Serve with warm custard for a classic British dessert.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm apple cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness and richness.
• Cup of Tea: Enjoy a hot cup of tea for a traditional afternoon treat.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

• Use Tart Apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Bramley provide a nice balance of tartness to the sweet cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, gently fold the batter to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Sprinkle Sugar on Top: Adding demerara sugar on top gives the cake a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.

Easy Variations of Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

• Apple and Pear Cake: Replace half of the apples with pears for a mixed fruit version.
• Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and spice.
• Nutty Apple Cake: Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free self-raising flour to make the cake suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.

Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the cake fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in cling film and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake

• Oven Reheating: Reheat slices of the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore warmth.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds.

How Can I Make Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake Healthier?

• Reduce the Sugar: Cut back on the sugar by 25g for a less sweet version.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Add Seeds: Stir in chia or flax seeds for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Lower the Butter: Use a plant-based alternative or light butter to reduce fat content.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 25g

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in Dorset apple cake?

Yes, you can use different types of apples in Dorset apple cake. Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Bramley apples work best as they balance the sweetness of the cake, but sweeter apples like Gala or Honeycrisp can also be used for a more mellow flavor.

How do I stop apples from sinking in Dorset apple cake?

To prevent apples from sinking in the cake, toss the apple chunks in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps the apples stay evenly distributed throughout the cake as it bakes.

Can I freeze Dorset apple cake?

Yes, Dorset apple cake can be frozen. Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in cling film and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.

How long does Dorset apple cake last?

Dorset apple cake lasts for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it can stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Final Words

The Delia Smith Dorset Apple Cake is a delicious, simple, and classic British bake that highlights the natural sweetness of apples with a hint of spice.

More By British Baking Recipes

• Mary Berry Date Slices
• Mary Berry Bara Brith
• Jamie Oliver Blueberry and Banana Muffins
• Nigella Dorset Apple Cake

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