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Mary Berry Apple Dessert Cake Recipe

Mary Berry Apple Dessert Cake recipe
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

Mary Berry’s Apple Dessert Cake is a classic British bake featuring a light sponge batter enriched with slices of apple, baked until golden and fluffy. The apples sink slightly into the cake, creating a soft, juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sponge. It’s a comforting cake that bridges the gap between dessert and teatime treat—delicious served warm or cold.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 225g self-raising flour

  • 175g caster sugar

  • 175g unsalted butter (softened)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

  • 2 tbsp milk

  • 1 tbsp demerara sugar (for sprinkling)

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease the cake tin with butter and line the base with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and caster sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step traps air into the mixture, giving the cake its lovely light texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the sponge.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Fold gently using a spatula, adding the milk gradually to achieve a smooth, thick batter.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Apples

Spoon half the cake batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly. Arrange half of the apple slices on top, then add the remaining batter and smooth it out. Finally, layer the remaining apples on top, pressing them slightly into the surface.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the top with demerara sugar and a light dusting of cinnamon for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake for about 40–45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with custard or cold with whipped cream—it’s delightful either way.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-apple-dessert-cake/