The Nigella Dorset Apple Cake is a wonderfully moist and delicious cake, filled with chunks of tart apples and flavored with a hint of warm spices. This classic British dessert is perfect for afternoon tea or as a comforting treat to enjoy at any time. With a tender crumb and juicy apples in every bite, it’s a simple yet satisfying bake that brings the best of autumn flavors to your kitchen.
What is Nigella Dorset Apple Cake?
Nigella’s Dorset Apple Cake is a traditional British cake made with fresh apples, flour, sugar, butter, and a hint of spice. The apples add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, while the lightly spiced batter complements the fruit perfectly. This rustic cake is ideal for casual gatherings, served with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of cream.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Full of Apples: Every bite contains juicy, tender apple chunks.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of apples and spice makes it a perfect autumn or winter bake.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a dessert, snack, or with your afternoon tea.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
- Self-raising flour (225g): Provides structure and lift to the cake.
- Butter (125g, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- Light brown sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become light.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spiced flavor.
- Apples (2-3 medium, peeled, cored, and diced): Provides sweetness and moisture.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture to the batter and ensures a soft crumb.
- Demerara sugar (1 tablespoon): Optional, for sprinkling on top for a crunchy finish.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the cake batter.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
- Spatula: For folding in the ingredients.
- 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin: For baking the cake.
- Parchment paper: To line the cake tin.
Instructions to Make Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set aside while preparing the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Milk
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. Stir in the milk to loosen the mixture slightly, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Transfer to the Cake Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with demerara sugar for a crunchy finish.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
What Goes Well With Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch.
- Custard: Serve with warm custard for a traditional British dessert.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cake.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Cup of Tea: Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
To achieve the best results, keep these expert tips in mind while preparing this Dorset apple cake.
- Use Tart Apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Bramley add a nice balance of tartness to the sweet cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Sprinkle Sugar on Top: Adding demerara sugar on top gives the cake a nice crunchy texture.
Easy Variations of Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
- Apple and Pear Cake: Substitute half of the apples with pears for a delicious variation.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Nutty Apple Cake: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free self-raising flour to make the cake suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: To keep the cake fresh for longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in cling film and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
- Oven Reheating: Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Microwave individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
How Can I Make Nigella Dorset Apple Cake Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Lower the sugar by 25g for a less sweet version.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Add Seeds: Stir in chia or flax seeds for a nutritious boost.
- Lower the Butter: Use a plant-based alternative or a light butter to reduce fat content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 24g
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for Dorset apple cake?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples for Dorset apple cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while sweeter apples like Gala or Honeycrisp will result in a milder flavor.
How do I stop apples from sinking into the cake?
To prevent apples from sinking, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend the apple pieces evenly throughout the cake during baking.
Can you freeze Dorset apple cake?
Yes, Dorset apple cake can be frozen. Once the cake is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in cling film and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How long does Dorset apple cake last?
Dorset apple cake can last up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it can stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Final Words
The Nigella Dorset Apple Cake is a timeless, comforting dessert filled with the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. This simple yet satisfying cake is perfect for casual gatherings, served warm with cream or custard, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of tea.
More By British Baking Recipes
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Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
Description
Nigella’s Dorset Apple Cake is a traditional British cake made with fresh apples, flour, sugar, butter, and a hint of spice. The apples add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, while the lightly spiced batter complements the fruit perfectly. This rustic cake is ideal for casual gatherings, served with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of cream.
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour (225g): Provides structure and lift to the cake.
- Butter (125g, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- Light brown sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become light.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spiced flavor.
- Apples (2-3 medium, peeled, cored, and diced): Provides sweetness and moisture.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture to the batter and ensures a soft crumb.
- Demerara sugar (1 tablespoon): Optional, for sprinkling on top for a crunchy finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Set aside while preparing the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Milk
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. Stir in the milk to loosen the mixture slightly, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Transfer to the Cake Tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with demerara sugar for a crunchy finish.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
