Description
Mary Berry’s Apple and Cinnamon Cake is a soft, moist cake made with fresh apples and spiced with cinnamon. The apples add natural sweetness and a bit of tartness, while the cinnamon gives a warm, inviting flavor. This cake is often topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or served with a dollop of cream, making it a comforting dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, tea time, or a casual treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 225g self-raising flour – Adds structure and helps the cake rise.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- 100g butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 225g caster sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spiced flavor.
Optional Topping
- Icing sugar (for dusting) – Adds a touch of sweetness and decoration.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
Step 4: Sift in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 5: Add the Apples
Fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Pour into the Tin and Smooth the Top
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should feel springy to the touch.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Dust with Icing Sugar (Optional)
For a finishing touch, dust the top of the cooled cake with icing sugar.