Rustic Dorset Apple Cake Recipe: A Taste of English Countryside

Crafting a delightful dorset apple cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet local apples nestled in a tender crumb create magic on your plate.

Generations of bakers have treasured this classic British treat with its rustic charm.

Soft butter and fresh ingredients transform simple components into something extraordinary.

Seasonal orchards provide the perfect fruit for this beloved dessert.

Warm spices like cinnamon whisper traditional comfort with each delectable slice.

Let’s bake a cake that connects you to the heart of dorset’s culinary heritage.

Why Nigella Dorset Apple Cake Tastes Like Home

• Craft Delightful Dessert: A mouthwatering cake that celebrates the rich, sweet flavors of fresh apples with a rustic British charm.
• Beginner Baker's Triumph: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe perfect for novice bakers looking to impress family and friends.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or a comforting weekend treat that brings warmth to any occasion.
• Seasonal Showstopper: Highlights the best of autumn's apple harvest with a beautiful, golden-brown cake that captures the essence of cozy baking.

Nigella Dorset Apple Cake Ingredient List

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that provide natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and helps the cake rise.
• Flour: The base of the cake that gives it structure and volume.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that add a fresh, tangy note to the cake.
• Caster Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that provide different levels of sweetness and caramel-like depth.
• Ground Almonds: Nutty ingredient that adds moisture and a subtle almond flavor.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, soft texture.

Easy Instructions For Nigella Dorset Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 180°C (355°F). Grab your 25cm springform cake pan and give it a quick butter massage, then line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Chunks

Dice your apples into cute little cubes, about 1cm in size. Splash them with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent browning.

Step 3: Whip Up the Base

• Softened butter
• Caster sugar
• Lemon zest

Whip until the mixture looks pale and feels fluffy like a cloud.

Step 4: Introduce the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing in a spoonful of flour with each addition. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents any unwanted lumps.

Step 5: Create the Cake Blend

Sift the remaining flour and baking powder into the mixture. Gently fold in ground almonds until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix – we want a tender cake!

Step 6: Marry the Apples

Drain any excess liquid from the apple chunks. Carefully fold them into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Fill and Decorate

Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar across the top for a beautiful caramelized finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, checking with a skewer – it should come out clean when the cake is done.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

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

Step 10: Serve with Style

Dust the top with a light snowfall of caster sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature – delicious either way!

Tips To Get Nigella Dorset Apple Cake Just Right

• Choose Ripe Apples: Select sweet, firm apples like Bramley or Granny Smith for best texture and flavor balance in the cake.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples immediately in lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Enhance Moisture Level: Add ground almonds to create a tender, rich crumb that keeps the cake soft and moist.
• Perfect Baking Temperature: Check cake doneness with a skewer; ensure it comes out clean without wet batter for ideal consistency.
• Serve with Flair: Dust with caster sugar just before serving to add a delicate sweet finish and elegant presentation.

Fun Twists On Nigella Dorset Apple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Almond Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Apple Spice Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and add warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Replace caster sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce brown sugar topping, and use tart apples for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Apple Cake: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk as a potential liquid replacement to maintain moisture and richness.

Best Pairings With Nigella Dorset Apple Cake

• Pair Warm Cinnamon Tea: Complement the cake's sweet apple flavor with a steaming mug of spiced cinnamon tea, enhancing the dessert's warmth and autumnal notes.
• Create Vanilla Custard Companion: Drizzle rich, smooth vanilla custard alongside each slice, adding creamy texture and deepening the cake's delicate apple taste.
• Serve Calvados Splash: Elevate the dessert with a small glass of French apple brandy, matching the cake's fruity essence and providing a sophisticated adult twist.
• Match Clotted Cream Topping: Add a traditional Dorset touch by dolloping thick, luxurious clotted cream on top, celebrating the region's culinary heritage and creating a decadent experience.

How To Store Nigella Dorset Apple Cake Properly

• Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the cake's delicious flavor and texture.
• Keep cake covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 1-2 days, maintaining its soft crumb and subtle sweetness.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through, restoring the cake's original warmth and softness.

Nigella Dorset Apple Cake FAQ Guide

• What are the key ingredients in Dorset Apple Cake?

The key ingredients are cooking apples, butter, caster sugar, eggs, flour, ground almonds, baking powder, lemon zest, and brown sugar.

• Is this a traditional English cake?

Yes, Dorset Apple Cake is a classic dessert from the Dorset region in southwest England, known for its rich apple-growing heritage.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Cooking apples like Bramley work best, but you can use firm, tart apples that hold their shape during baking.

• Do I need any special baking equipment?

You’ll need a 25cm springform cake tin, electric mixer, and basic baking tools like a mixing bowl and sieve.

Dorset Apple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rustic Dorset Apple Cake brings countryside charm straight to your kitchen, blending sweet local apples with traditional British baking magic. Warm spices and tender crumb invite you to savor a slice of genuine English comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 450 grams (16 ounces) Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 225 grams (8 ounces) butter (softened)
• 225 grams (8 ounces) caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 225 grams (8 ounces) self-raising flour

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 25 grams (1 ounce) ground almonds
• 112 tablespoons soft light brown sugar
• Extra caster sugar for dusting

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 180C (355F) and prepare a 25cm springform cake tin with grease and parchment paper.
2. Dice apples into small cubes and coat with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and creamy in texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, adding a small amount of flour with each addition to prevent curdling.
5. Gently fold sifted flour, baking powder, and ground almonds into the mixture until evenly combined.
6. Drain excess liquid from apple pieces and carefully fold them into the cake batter.
7. Transfer batter to prepared cake tin, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle brown sugar across the cake’s surface for a caramelized topping.
9. Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, checking doneness with a clean skewer.
10. Allow cake to rest in tin for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a cooling rack.
11. Once cooled slightly, dust with a light layer of caster sugar and serve either warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Select firm, slightly tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth, even mixing and a lighter cake crumb.
• Draining apple pieces prevents excess moisture from making the cake soggy and helps distribute fruit evenly throughout the batter.
• Swap ground almonds with gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining a similar rich texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg