Name: Nigella Dorset Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: British
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.

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.