Easy Apple and Sultana Cake Recipe: Sweet Homemade Magic

Sweet memories often dance around a delightful apple and sultana cake that brings comfort to any gathering.

Grandmothers across Britain perfected this classic treat with simple ingredients and warm kitchen magic.

Soft sultanas peek through tender crumb, adding unexpected bursts of sweetness to each slice.

Warm spices whisper hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Delicate yet robust, this cake bridges traditional baking with modern sensibilities.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently create this heartwarming dessert that feels like a culinary hug.

Slice into pure happiness and let every bite tell a delicious story.

How To Store Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake Easily

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Freeze whole or in portions.
• Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the cake's warm spices.

FAQ Guide For Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake

• What are sultanas, and can I substitute them?

Sultanas are dried white grapes, similar to raisins but lighter in color. You can replace them with raisins or dried currants if needed.

• Why do I need to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps break up any lumps, ensures even distribution of baking powder and cinnamon, and creates a lighter, more tender cake texture.

• How do I know if my cake is fully baked?

Use the skewer test – insert a thin skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to create a gluten-free version of this cake.

Why Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake Is A Family Favorite

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This apple and sultana cake brings warm, nostalgic flavors straight from your kitchen, perfect for creating delightful memories with loved ones.
• Bake with Ease: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy as a delicious breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that suits casual family gatherings and special occasions alike.
• Seasonal Goodness: Packed with fresh apples and sweet sultanas, this cake celebrates classic fruity ingredients that shine during autumn and winter months.

Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake Ingredients

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apples.

• Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.

• Apples, Sultanas: Fresh fruit and dried grapes that bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, creating delightful bursts of flavor throughout.

How To Make Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 160°C (325°F). Grab a 20cm round cake tin and give it a friendly coating of grease, then line it with baking paper.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon

Let the powdery ingredients dance together in a light, airy blend.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Sugar
• Eggs

Beat these ingredients until they become smooth and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Add Fruity Goodness

• Fresh apples
• Sultanas

Gently mix these sweet treasures into your creamy mixture.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Softly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir with a gentle hand to keep the batter light and tender.

Step 6: Pour And Smooth

Transfer the batter into your prepared cake tin. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the tin into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool And Release

Let the cake rest in the tin for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Top Tips For Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake

• Enhance Apple Flavor: Toss chopped apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, zesty undertone to the cake.
• Perfect Sultana Distribution: Lightly coat sultanas in flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
• Moisture Retention Trick: Cover the cake with foil halfway through baking to keep the top from over-browning while ensuring a moist interior.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's tender texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve its softness and flavor.

Fun Twists On Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder to maintain the cake's light texture.
• Vegan Apple Sultana Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Choose plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add extra cinnamon and grated apple to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Include ground nutmeg and ginger alongside cinnamon. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Tasty Pairings For Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Custard: Drizzle warm, silky vanilla custard over each slice to complement the cake's spiced apple and sultana flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a rich, aromatic chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom that echoes the cake's warm spices and provides a comforting beverage pairing.
• Match with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a light layer of tangy cream cheese frosting swirled with caramel sauce to enhance the cake's natural sweetness and add a decadent touch.
• Enjoy with Calvados Apple Liqueur: Sip a small glass of French apple brandy alongside the cake, allowing its intense apple notes to intensify the dessert's fruity undertones.

Apple And Sultana Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade Apple and Sultana Cake promises a delightful journey through classic British baking traditions. Sweet apple chunks and juicy sultanas blend seamlessly in this comforting dessert you’ll want to share with friends over afternoon tea.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 175g (6.2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 100g (3.5 ounces) sultanas

Flour and Spices:

• 225g (8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sugar:

• 175g (6.2 ounces) caster sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 160°C (325°F) and prepare a 20cm round cake tin with grease and parchment paper.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon together in a mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and lump-free dry mixture.
3. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate eggs until well blended.
4. Gently fold the chopped apples and sultanas into the creamy butter mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
5. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
6. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared tin, using a spatula to spread and level the surface evenly.
7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
9. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack, letting it cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Toss sultanas and chopped apples in a little flour before adding to prevent sinking during baking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend and add an extra egg for moisture.
• Enhance flavor by soaking sultanas in warm brandy or apple juice for 30 minutes before adding to the cake batter.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg