Mary Berry’s Apple and Almond Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert made with a buttery almond-flavored batter and thinly sliced apples. The cake has a soft, fluffy texture, with the almonds providing a slightly nutty crunch on top. This cake is a delightful twist on a classic apple cake and is ideal for showcasing the natural sweetness of apples.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy. This step takes about 3-4 minutes and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract to infuse the batter with almond flavor.
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder, then fold them gently into the batter along with the ground almonds. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake light.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread it evenly. Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly, and layer the rest of the apples on top.
Sprinkle the flaked almonds and demerara sugar over the top layer of apples for a golden, crunchy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the almonds lightly toasted.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of cream, custard, or ice cream.