Mary Berry’s Toffee Apple Cake is a deliciously moist, autumn-inspired dessert that combines tender, spiced apple slices with a rich toffee flavor. This cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or as a sweet centerpiece for gatherings. With its caramel notes, soft apples, and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting homemade dessert.
What is Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake?
Mary Berry’s Toffee Apple Cake is a spiced sponge cake layered with apple slices and topped with a rich toffee glaze. This cake has a tender crumb, juicy apples, and a buttery, caramel-like topping that brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, making it perfect for autumn.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Fall: Combines toffee and apple flavors, ideal for autumn.
- Moist and Flavorful: Apples keep the cake tender and add a lovely texture.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward ingredients and simple steps.
- Great for Gatherings: Perfect for tea time or as a dessert centerpiece.
- Unique Toffee Glaze: Adds a deliciously rich caramel flavor.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
For the Cake
- 225g Self-Raising Flour: Forms the base of the cake.
- 175g Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- 175g Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel undertone.
- 2 Large Eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- 2 Medium Apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Adds moisture and sweetness.
For the Toffee Topping
- 100g Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the toffee sauce.
- 150g Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and adds caramel flavor.
- 2 tbsp Milk: Makes the sauce smooth and pourable.
Equipment Needed
- 9-Inch Round Cake Tin: For baking the cake.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
- Spatula: For folding in the flour and apples.
- Saucepan: For making the toffee topping.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3. Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
Step 4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon into the mixture. Gently fold in until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5. Add the Apples
Fold in the sliced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7. Prepare the Toffee Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, and milk. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 8. Pour the Toffee Topping Over the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm toffee topping over it, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the topping set slightly before slicing and serving.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm toffee flavor.
- Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it pairs well with the rich toffee topping.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Chopped Pecan or Walnuts – Adds a crunchy texture.
- Cup of Tea or Coffee – Complements the flavors of the cake.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Toffee Apple Cake
To achieve the perfect toffee apple cake, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Firm Apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold up well in baking and add a slight tartness.
- Fold Apples Gently – Avoid breaking them as you fold to keep texture intact.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Gently fold to prevent a dense cake.
- Pour Topping While Warm – For the best result, pour the toffee topping while it’s still warm so it spreads evenly.
- Serve Slightly Warm – The flavors are enhanced when the cake is warm.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
Try these variations for different flavors:
- Add a Pinch of Nutmeg – Adds warmth and complements the cinnamon.
- Use Pears Instead of Apples – For a slightly different twist.
- Add Chopped Walnuts – Mix into the batter for extra crunch.
- Use Maple Syrup in the Toffee – Adds a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Top with Cream Cheese Frosting – For a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
- Store at Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage – Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the Cake Without Topping – Freeze for up to 3 months; add topping after thawing.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
- Oven Reheat – Warm slices in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave Individual Portions – Heat on low for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Serve Freshly Reheated – The cake tastes best served slightly warm with the toffee topping.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
FAQs
Can I Make Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, toffee apple cake can be made a day in advance. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store at room temperature. Prepare the toffee topping separately and pour it over the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Keep Toffee Apple Cake Moist?
To keep toffee apple cake moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Adding the toffee sauce before serving also helps keep the cake soft and tender.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake?
Yes, you can use any baking apple, though firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well, as they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I Freeze Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without the toffee topping). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the warm toffee topping just before serving for the best results.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Toffee Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon and apples with a rich toffee topping, making it the perfect treat for fall. This cake is easy to prepare and ideal for sharing with family and friends over tea or as a satisfying finish to a cozy meal.
Enjoy each bite of this autumn-inspired cake!
More Recipes By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Date and Banana Cake
- Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Paul Hollywood Sticky Toffee Pudding
Mary Berry Toffee Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Toffee Apple Cake is a spiced sponge cake layered with apple slices and topped with a rich toffee glaze. This cake has a tender crumb, juicy apples, and a buttery, caramel-like topping that brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, making it perfect for autumn.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 225g Self-Raising Flour: Forms the base of the cake.
- 175g Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- 175g Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel undertone.
- 2 Large Eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- 2 Medium Apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Adds moisture and sweetness.
For the Toffee Topping
- 100g Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the toffee sauce.
- 150g Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and adds caramel flavor.
- 2 tbsp Milk: Makes the sauce smooth and pourable.
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3. Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
Step 4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon into the mixture. Gently fold in until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5. Add the Apples
Fold in the sliced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7. Prepare the Toffee Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, and milk. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 8. Pour the Toffee Topping Over the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm toffee topping over it, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the topping set slightly before slicing and serving.
