Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake Recipe

Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake is a classic, rustic British bake filled with tender apples, warm spices, and a soft, buttery crumb that feels comforting in every slice. This cake is perfect for autumn afternoons, weekend baking, or anytime you want a homely dessert that pairs beautifully with tea. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully moist, and has just the right amount of sweetness. The apples melt into the sponge as it bakes, creating a soft, almost pudding-like texture inside with a lightly golden crust on the outside.

With everyday ingredients and a straightforward method, this Devonshire apple cake brings timeless charm to your kitchen.

What Is Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake?

Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake is a traditional British cake made with fresh apples, sugar, butter, and warm spices. It’s known for its moist texture and layers of soft apple chunks baked into a light, buttery sponge.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry New York Cheesecake
• Mary Berry White Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake
• Mary Berry Genoise Sponge
• Mary Berry Fridge Cake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Packs a generous amount of fresh apples in every slice
• Creates a beautifully moist crumb without being overly sweet
• Uses simple ingredients found in almost every kitchen
• Bakes into a rustic, homestyle cake perfect for all seasons
• Pairs wonderfully with custard, cream, or ice cream

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake

• 225g self-raising flour
• 175g caster sugar
• 110g butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 2–3 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• Zest of 1 lemon

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowls
• Electric whisk or hand whisk
• 20cm round cake tin
• Baking parchment
• Peeler and sharp knife
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the cake tin

Line a 20cm round tin with parchment and lightly grease the sides for easy release.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Beat the butter and sugar together until pale, fluffy, and well combined.

Step 3: Add the eggs

Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure the mixture stays smooth.

Step 4: Fold in the dry ingredients

Add the self-raising flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, folding gently to keep the batter light.

Step 5: Add the apples

Fold in the chopped apples and lemon zest, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Adjust the consistency

If the batter feels too thick, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of milk until soft dropping consistency.

Step 7: Transfer to the tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the top for an even rise.

Step 8: Bake the cake

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Cake felt too dense — folding gently prevented overmixing
• Apples sank — chopping them smaller and coating lightly in flour kept them lifted
• Top browned too quickly — covering loosely with foil halfway helped
• Cake dried out — baking 5 minutes less kept it moist

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Devonshire Apple Cake

A lighter version can be made by reducing sugar, swapping butter for light margarine, or using wholemeal flour. The moisture from the apples keeps the cake soft even with healthier adjustments.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake

• Use pears instead of apples for a softer fruit layer
• Swap cinnamon for mixed spice for a warm flavour blend
• Add raisins for sweetness and texture
• Use brown sugar for caramel depth
• Replace lemon zest with orange zest for brightness

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake

• Warm custard – Comforting and traditional
• Vanilla ice cream – Melts beautifully over warm slices
• Clotted cream – Rich and indulgent
• Fresh berries – Adds colour and freshness
• Hot tea – The perfect classic pairing

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Devonshire Apple Cake

• Use firm apples so they hold their shape
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added
• Chop apples evenly for a consistent texture
• Allow the cake to cool fully for clean slicing
• Line the tin well to avoid sticking
• Use fresh spices for a stronger flavour

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake

• Add a streusel topping for crunch
• Mix in chopped walnuts for texture
• Swirl in caramel for extra sweetness
• Add ginger for a warming twist
• Top with icing sugar for a simple finish

Storing Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake the Right Way

• Store at room temperature for 2–3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight box
• Freeze slices for up to 2 months
• Thaw at room temperature for best texture

How to Reheat Cowboy Caviar (If Needed)

Cowboy caviar is served chilled and does not require reheating.

Nutritional Breakdown (per slice)

• Calories: ~290
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugars: 28g

Print

FAQs

Why is my Devonshire apple cake turning out too dense?

A dense crumb usually happens when the batter is overmixed. Folding the flour in gently and only until combined keeps the sponge light and soft.

How do I stop the apple pieces from sinking to the bottom?

Apples sink when they’re cut too large or too wet. Chopping them into small even pieces and tossing them lightly in flour before adding helps them stay suspended throughout the cake.

Why is the top of my apple cake browning too quickly?

The top browns fast when the oven is too hot or the cake is placed too high. Moving the tin to the centre shelf and covering it loosely with foil halfway through baking prevents over-browning.

How do I keep the apple cake moist after baking?

This cake stays moist naturally because of the fruit, but storing it in an airtight container and avoiding overbaking helps protect its soft texture.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Devonshire Apple Cake is a warm, comforting bake that brings together soft apples, buttery sponge, and gentle spices in one homely slice. It’s simple to prepare, full of old-fashioned charm, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.