If you’re searching for a cake that combines elegance, simplicity, and irresistible flavor, the Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake Recipe Homemade Delight is your go-to choice. This classic British bake is perfect for those who love afternoon tea cake or a homemade dessert recipe that looks as good as it tastes. With a moist almond sponge and a flaked almonds topping, this cake brings the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
What is the Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake?
The Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake is a classic British bake made with a simple sponge cake enriched with ground almonds in cake batter. Fresh apple slices soften during baking, keeping the sponge tender, while flaked almonds toast lightly on top, creating a delightful crunch. This elegant dessert is perfect for tea time treats, family gatherings, or special celebrations.
Why You Should Try This Cake
- Moist and tender cake: Ground almonds ensure a soft, rich sponge.
- Seasonal fruit cake: Ideal for using apples at their peak.
- Cake for celebrations: Perfect for parties, weekends, or afternoon tea.
- Simple and easy baking at home: No complicated steps, even beginners can succeed.
- Golden cake recipe: Looks beautiful and delicious.
Essential Ingredients
- 150g butter, softened
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100g ground almonds
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 50g flaked almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Handy Kitchen Tools
- 20cm round cake tin (lined with baking paper)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric whisk or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Sharp knife and peeler
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This step ensures your soft and tender cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. If curdled, add a spoonful of flour.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift in flour and baking powder, fold in ground almonds, and add milk for a smooth batter.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Spread batter in the tin. Arrange apple slices and scatter flaked almonds for a golden cake recipe with a lovely almond and apple combination.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 40–45 minutes. If browning too quickly, cover with foil halfway.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cake
- Choose firm apples to keep the slices intact.
- Layer apples neatly for an elegant finish.
- Toast flaked almonds lightly for enhanced flavor.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the sponge light.
- Check doneness with a skewer.
Creative Variations
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Stir in sultanas or dried cranberries.
- Drizzle lemon glaze instead of icing sugar.
- Use a mix of red and green apples.
- Add apricot jam under apples.
Healthier Alternatives
- Swap caster sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
- Replace some butter with Greek yogurt.
- Use wholemeal flour.
- Add extra apple slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Dessert with cream or custard for a traditional touch.
- Vanilla ice cream for contrast.
- Berry compote for tart balance.
- Coffee or tea for afternoon tea cake.
Storage and Reheating
- Airtight container at room temperature: up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate if serving with cream.
- Freeze individual slices: up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Oven at 160°C for 10 minutes or microwave 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
How do I prevent soggy cake? Use firm apples and avoid excess liquid.
Can ground almonds replace flour? No, flour is needed for structure.
Should apples be pre-cooked? No, thinly sliced apples soften during baking.
How to know when fully baked? Top should be golden and a skewer should come out clean.
Wrapping It Up
The Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake Recipe Homemade Delight is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a show-stopping dessert. Its moist almond sponge, almond and apple combination, and flaked almonds topping make it a perfect homemade dessert recipe for any occasion. Impress your guests or treat your family with this classic British bake that delivers flavor, texture, and elegance in every slice.
For more tips on baking, visit Mary Berry Recipes.
