Hairy Bikers Apple Cake Recipe

Name: Hairy Bikers' Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: Serves 8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 200g caster sugar; 250g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 250g unsalted butter, melted; 3 large eggs, beaten; 100ml milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 50g flaked almonds

Dive into the warm, comforting embrace of the Hairy Bikers' Spiced Apple Cake, a delightful treat that perfectly complements a cozy afternoon tea. This cake, lovingly created by the Hairy Bikers, is spiced with cinnamon and lemon zest, offering a fruity delight that's surprisingly diet-friendly.

The Hairy Bikers' Spiced Apple Cake: A Brief Description

This cake is a wonderful amalgamation of tender, spiced apples encased in a soft, moist sponge. The inclusion of Bramley apples, known for their tangy sweetness, ensures each bite is packed with flavor. Infused with ground cinnamon and mixed spice, it's a cake that fills the room with its inviting aroma as it bakes.

Cultural or Historical Context

The Hairy Bikers, known for their down-to-earth cooking style and hearty recipes, have crafted this cake as a testament to their love for traditional British baking. Apples, a staple in British cuisine, are celebrated in this recipe, which brings a touch of warmth and comfort during the cooler months or any time of the year.

Ingredients List for the Spiced Apple Cake

Oil for spraying
750g Bramley cooking apples
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Finely grated zest of ½ lemon
250g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground mixed spice
2 large eggs
100g demerara sugar, plus 2 tbsp for sprinkling
200ml semi-skimmed milk
100ml sunflower oil
½ tsp sifted icing sugar, for dusting

Preparation Instructions

Start by preheating your oven and preparing a 23cm springclip cake tin with baking parchment and oil.
Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them, then toss with lemon juice and zest.
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, and oil.
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, fold in the apples, and pour the batter into the prepared tin, sprinkling additional sugar on top before baking.

Storage and Reheating

The cake's moist nature means it's best enjoyed fresh but can be kept wrapped in foil for a couple of days. For longer storage, freezing is an option, allowing you to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes. Ensure it's fully defrosted before warming it slightly for that just-baked taste.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this delightful cake contains approximately 229 calories. It's a treat that allows indulgence without straying too far from a mindful diet.

FAQ about the Hairy Bikers' Spiced Apple Cake

Can I use different types of apples? Bramley apples are recommended for their texture and tartness, but other cooking apples can be substituted if necessary.
Is this cake suitable for freezing? Yes, the cake freezes well when wrapped tightly, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

This cake is a beautiful showcase of simple ingredients coming together to create a comforting, flavorful dessert. Serve it warm or cold, dusted with icing sugar, perhaps accompanied by a dollop of crème fraîche or single cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Original recipe by the Hairy Bikers, available on their official website.