The Hairy Bikers Apple Cake is a wonderfully moist and comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the warmth of subtle spices and a rich, buttery cake. Perfect for any occasion—whether as a dessert, an afternoon tea treat, or a cozy snack—this cake is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Made with soft, tender apples folded into the batter, it bakes to perfection in just 35-40 minutes and serves 10-12 people. With its ease of preparation and delicious results, this apple cake is sure to become a family favorite.
What is Hairy Bikers Apple Cake?
Hairy Bikers Apple Cake is a classic British cake made with fresh apples, flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, spiced with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. The apples give the cake a moist texture and a naturally sweet flavor, while the buttery sponge creates a light and fluffy crumb. This cake can be served plain or dusted with icing sugar, and it pairs beautifully with cream, custard, or even ice cream.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The apples provide moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for dessert or a snack, this cake is sure to please.
- Simple and Quick: A straightforward recipe with ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile: Can be served plain or with various toppings like whipped cream or custard.
- Warm and Comforting: The gentle spices make this cake a cozy treat, perfect for fall or winter.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Apples (2-3, peeled, cored, and chopped): Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Braeburn for the best flavor.
- Self-raising flour (225g): The base of the cake ensures a light texture.
- Butter (175g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the cake.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the batter and adds extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the cake.
- Demerara sugar (2 tablespoons): For sprinkling on top to create a crunchy crust.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
- Spatula: For folding in the apples and smoothing the batter.
- 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin: For baking the cake.
- Parchment paper: To line the cake tin.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the milk to loosen the batter, stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Fold in the Apples
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the cake batter until they are evenly distributed.
Step 8: Transfer to the Cake Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with the demerara sugar for added crunch.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar, or enjoy it with cream, custard, or ice cream.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Custard: A warm drizzle of custard pairs beautifully with the spiced apple cake.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy, airy contrast to the dense cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream melts over the warm cake for a decadent dessert.
- Clotted Cream: For a traditional British touch, serve with a dollop of rich clotted cream.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Use Firm Apples: For the best texture, choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so fold in the dry ingredients gently.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Add Nuts: For extra texture, fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Add Raisins: Stir in a handful of raisins or sultanas for added sweetness and texture.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for a more spiced flavor.
- Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for a decadent twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend to make the cake suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
- Apple and Pear Cake: Mix chopped apples with pears for a combination of flavors.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Airtight Container: Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you want to store the cake for longer, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the cake tightly in cling film and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Oven Reheating: To reheat slices of apple cake, place them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Apple Cake Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Reduce the amount of caster sugar in the batter by 50g for a less sweet version.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap some or all of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use Less Butter: Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat and calories while keeping the cake moist.
- Add Seeds: Mix in flaxseeds or chia seeds for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in Hairy Bikers Apple Cake?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples in Hairy Bikers Apple Cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while sweeter varieties like Braeburn or Honeycrisp will add extra natural sweetness. Mixing different types of apples can also give the cake a more complex flavor.
How do I prevent apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
To prevent apples from sinking, you can toss the apple pieces in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps the apples stay evenly distributed throughout the cake during baking.
Can Hairy Bikers Apple Cake be Frozen?
Yes, Hairy Bikers Apple Cake can be frozen. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in cling film and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How long does Hairy Bikers Apple Cake stay fresh?
Hairy Bikers Apple Cake stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it, and it will last up to 5 days.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Apple Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and texture of apples. This moist, lightly spiced cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, serving it as dessert, or making it for a special celebration. With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredients, this apple cake is sure to become a family favorite!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Hairy Bikers Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Apple Cake is a classic British cake made with fresh apples, flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, spiced with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. The apples give the cake a moist texture and a naturally sweet flavor, while the buttery sponge creates a light and fluffy crumb. This cake can be served plain or dusted with icing sugar, and it pairs beautifully with cream, custard, or even ice cream.
Ingredients
- Apples (2-3, peeled, cored, and chopped): Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Braeburn for the best flavor.
- Self-raising flour (225g): The base of the cake ensures a light texture.
- Butter (175g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the cake.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the batter and adds extra moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the cake.
- Demerara sugar (2 tablespoons): For sprinkling on top to create a crunchy crust.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. Add the milk to loosen the batter, stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Fold in the Apples
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the cake batter until they are evenly distributed.
Step 8: Transfer to the Cake Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with the demerara sugar for added crunch.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar, or enjoy it with cream, custard, or ice cream.
