Description
Mary Berry’s Dutch Apple Cake is a spongy cake layered with sliced apples and a hint of cinnamon. It has a golden, slightly crispy top, and the apples keep it moist, providing a delicious blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- 225g (1 cup) Self-Raising Flour: Provides structure and lift for the cake.
- 175g (3/4 cup) Caster Sugar: Sweetens the cake while keeping it light.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apples.
- 125g (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- 2 Large Eggs: Binds the ingredients and gives the cake structure.
- 4 tbsp Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- 2–3 Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): Provides a fruity, tart flavor.
- 2 tbsp Demerara Sugar (optional): For a crunchy topping.
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Rub in the Butter
Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Step 4. Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together, then pour them into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined to create a smooth batter.
Step 5. Layer the Batter and Apples
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top, covering the apples. Arrange more apple slices on the top layer, pressing them slightly into the batter.
Step 6. Sprinkle with Demerara Sugar (Optional)
For a crunchy top, sprinkle the Demerara sugar over the top layer of apples.
Step 7. 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. The top should be golden brown.
Step 8. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve on its own or with whipped cream or ice cream.