Fluffy Apple Sponge Cake Recipe: A Sweet Fall Delight

Crafting a delightful apple sponge cake brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through every room.

Seasonal fruits create magical moments when transformed into delectable desserts.

Soft, fluffy textures promise incredible comfort with each delicate bite.

Baking becomes an art form when simple ingredients merge beautifully.

Rich flavors emerge from carefully selected apples and gentle mixing techniques.

Excitement builds as you prepare to surprise everyone with this incredible treat.

Why Nigella Apple Sponge Cake Is A Cozy Favorite

• Craft Classic Comfort: A traditional apple sponge cake that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, perfect for creating sweet memories with loved ones.
• Bake with Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Seasonal Versatility: Celebrates autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a delightful dessert that works beautifully for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats.
• Sensory Delight: Combines soft, tender cake with caramelized apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon, creating a mouthwatering aroma and irresistible texture that appeals to all senses.

Everything Needed For Nigella Apple Sponge Cake

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's soft, airy consistency.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the cake its structure and substance.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and a delightful texture to the cake.

• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, comforting aroma.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple perfectly.
• Demerara Sugar: Provides a crunchy, caramelized topping with a rich, molasses-like flavor.

• Icing Sugar: A light dusting that adds a sweet, decorative finish to the cake.

How To Bake Nigella Apple Sponge Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grab a 20cm springform pan and give it a light coating of butter or cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

• Softened butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture turns light and fluffy, creating a cloud-like texture.

Step 3: Introduce the Eggs

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Fold in the Flour

Gently fold the flour into the batter, stirring carefully to keep the mixture smooth and avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare the Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 6: Create Apple Topping

Arrange thin apple slices across the top of the cake in a decorative pattern.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

• Demerara sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Optional: Dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Apple Sponge Cake

• Slice Apples Evenly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform apple slices for consistent baking and attractive presentation.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices in lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation before arranging on the cake.
• Sugar Sprinkle Technique: Mix demerara sugar with cinnamon for a caramelized, crumbly topping that adds extra texture and flavor.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a skewer in the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.

Fun Twists On Nigella Apple Sponge Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain the same mixing technique and baking temperature.
• Vegan Apple Sponge: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and coconut sugar for a dairy-free alternative.
• Spiced Nutmeg Variation: Add ground nutmeg to the batter and replace cinnamon with cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor profile. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top before baking.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Top with fresh berries for natural sweetness and reduced calorie count.

Tasty Matches For Nigella Apple Sponge Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Custard: Drizzle smooth, rich vanilla custard over warm apple sponge cake for a classic comfort dessert combination that enhances the cake's soft texture.
• Complement with Caramel Latte: Serve alongside a hot caramel latte, where the coffee's warmth and sweet caramel notes perfectly balance the apple's tartness and cake's spiced cinnamon.
• Match with Whipped Mascarpone: Top the cake with a dollop of light, airy mascarpone cream, creating a luxurious contrast to the dense, moist apple sponge and adding a subtle tangy richness.
• Enjoy with Spiced Chai Tea: Sip a fragrant spiced chai tea that echoes the cake's cinnamon undertones, providing a warming and aromatic drinking experience that elevates the dessert's flavor profile.

How To Store Nigella Apple Sponge Cake The Right Way

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Warm slices at 150°C for 510 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the top.
• Heat individual slices on medium power for 1520 seconds. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy texture.

FAQs For Nigella Apple Sponge Cake

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that holds its shape during baking.

• Is it necessary to peel the apples before slicing?

No, you can leave the apple skin on for added texture and nutrition, just make sure to wash them thoroughly.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a 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?

Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the apple sponge cake.

Apple Sponge Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting apple sponge cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its classic European charm. Warm spices and tender fruit create a delectable treat you’ll savor slice after slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 2 small apples, peeled, cored, sliced

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) unsalted butter
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) golden caster sugar
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 4 eggs

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons demerara sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180C (160C fan) or Gas 4, ensuring even heat distribution by positioning the rack in the middle.
2. Thoroughly coat a 20cm springform tin with butter and line with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and pale cream.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, cohesive batter.
5. Gently fold flour into the mixture, creating a uniform consistency without overmixing.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared tin, carefully spreading and leveling the surface with a spatula.
7. Artfully arrange thinly sliced apples across the top of the cake batter, creating an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
8. Generously sprinkle demerara sugar and ground cinnamon over the apple layer for added texture and flavor.
9. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer – it should emerge clean and dry.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
11. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely to room temperature.
12. Optional: Dust the surface with a delicate layer of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture that holds up during baking.
• Slice apples thinly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking and an attractive presentation across the cake surface.
• Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tangy brightness to the dessert.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring to check the cake’s consistency and baking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg