The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever by Mary Berry

The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever by Mary Berry is everything a homemade cake should be—soft, moist, lightly spiced, and filled with tender apples that melt into the sponge as it bakes. This is the kind of cake that feels comforting from the first slice, perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. With simple ingredients and an easy method, it delivers reliable results and timeless flavour without any fuss.

What Is The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever by Mary Berry?

This apple cake is a classic British-style bake made with fresh apples folded into a light sponge batter. As the cake bakes, the apples soften and release their natural sweetness, keeping the crumb moist and fragrant. Unlike dense apple loaves, this version stays airy while still feeling rich, making it suitable for everyday baking as well as special occasions.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Herby Chicken Casserole
• Mary Berry Cheese Straws
• Mary Berry Walnut and Chocolate Brownies
• Mary Berry Mincemeat Muffins

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Moist and tender crumb – Apples keep the cake soft for days
• Balanced sweetness – Not overly sugary
• Simple ingredients – No complicated steps or equipment
• Versatile serving options – Works plain or lightly dressed
• Reliable results – Ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers

Essential Ingredients to Make The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever

• 225g self-raising flour
• 175g caster sugar
• 175g soft butter, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon mixed spice
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Flaked almonds or demerara sugar for topping

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring jug
• 20cm round cake tin
• Baking parchment
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Guide to Making The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever

• Prepare the tin – Grease and line a 20cm cake tin and preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat together until pale, light, and fluffy.
• Add the eggs – Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Mix dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, combine flour, spices, and salt.
• Fold everything together – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter.
• Add apples and milk – Stir in the chopped apples and milk until evenly combined.
• Transfer to tin – Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface.
• Add topping – Sprinkle with almonds or sugar if using.
• Bake gently – Bake for 50–55 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
• Cool properly – Leave in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool fully.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Cake felt dry – Switched to slightly juicier apples
• Centre sank – Avoided overmixing and checked oven temperature
• The top browned too fast – Covered loosely with foil halfway through
• Apple pieces sank – Chopped apples more finely and folded gently

Healthier Version of The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever

• Reduce sugar slightly without affecting texture
• Use wholemeal self-raising flour for added fibre
• Replace half the butter with Greek yoghurt
• Skip the sugar topping
• Serve plain instead of with cream

Ingredient Substitutions for The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever

• Swap cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice
• Use pears instead of apples
• Replace butter with baking margarine
• Add chopped walnuts for texture
• Use gluten-free self-raising flour if needed

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever

• Serve with custard – Classic and comforting
• Add whipped cream – Light and airy contrast
• Pair with tea or coffee – Perfect afternoon treat
• Serve warm – Brings out apple flavour
• Add vanilla ice cream – Ideal for dessert

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Apple Cake

• Choose the right apples – Bramley or Braeburn work best
• Do not overmix – Keeps the crumb light
• Bake low and steady – Prevents drying
• Test early – Apples affect bake time
• Rest before slicing – Improves texture

Creative Ways to Customize This Apple Cake

• Add raisins or sultanas for sweetness
• Include lemon zest for brightness
• Drizzle with icing glaze for shine
• Bake as a loaf instead of a round cake
• Add a crumble topping for texture

Storing The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever the Right Way

• Store at room temperature in an airtight tin for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate for longer storage
• Freeze slices individually for convenience
• Wrap well to prevent drying
• Defrost fully before serving

How to Reheat The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever

• Warm slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds
• Reheat in a low oven if serving with custard
• Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist

Nutritional Breakdown (per slice)

• Calories: ~320
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 5g
• Fibre: 3g
• Sugar: Moderate

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FAQs

Why did my apple cake turn soggy in the middle?

This usually happens when the apples release too much moisture, or the cake is underbaked. Chop the apples finely rather than in large chunk,s and make sure the cake is fully baked by testing the centre with a skewer before removing it from the oven.

Which apples work best for this apple cake?

Cooking apples like Bramley give a soft texture and gentle sharpness, while eating apples such as Braeburn or Cox add sweetness. A mix of the two creates the best balance of flavour and moisture.

How do I stop the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the chopped apples lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake as it bakes.

Can I make this apple cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well and often tastes better the next day. Bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight tin to retain moisture.

Wrapping It Up

The Best Apple Cake Recipe Ever by Mary Berry is a dependable, comforting bake that never feels outdated. Soft, fragrant, and full of apple flavour, it’s the kind of cake you make once and return to again and again. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it earns its place as a true classic in any home baker’s collection.