Nigella Moist Apple Cake

Dive into the world of Nigella Lawson's deliciously Moist Apple Cake, a recipe that combines the tartness of apples with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds to create a dessert that's both indulgent and comforting. This cake is a testament to Nigella's ability to craft recipes that are both simple and deeply flavorful, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Moist Apple Cake: A Brief Description

Nigella's Moist Apple Cake is a delightful blend of soft, moist cake with the fresh, tangy taste of apples. Ground almonds add a lovely texture and depth of flavor, making it a unique take on the traditional apple cake. It's a fantastic way to use up any apples that you have lying around, transforming them into a dessert that's sure to impress.

Cultural or Historical Context

This cake finds its roots in the tradition of British baking, where apples and almonds are commonly used ingredients. Nigella Lawson, a renowned British food writer and television chef, has a knack for creating recipes that are both accessible and a nod to traditional British cuisine. Her Moist Apple Cake is no exception, offering a modern twist on classic flavors.

Ingredients List for the Moist Apple Cake

• For the Apple Puree:
  • Tart eating apples, such as Braeburns
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Caster sugar
• For the Cake:
  • Vegetable oil (for greasing)
  • Large eggs
  • Ground almonds
  • Caster sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Flaked almonds (for topping)
• To Decorate:
  • Icing sugar

Preparation Instructions

1. Apple Puree Preparation: Start by cooking chopped apples with lemon juice and sugar until they can be mashed into a rough puree.
2. Cake Batter: Combine the cooled apple puree with eggs, ground almonds, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor. Pour the mixture into a greased and lined springform tin, topping it with flaked almonds.
3. Baking: Bake at 180°C (Gas mark 4/350°F) until the cake is set and golden, which usually takes about 45 minutes. Check for doneness with a skewer.
4. Serving: Best served slightly warm, dusted with icing sugar.

Storage and Reheating

The cake is best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

This cake, with its almond base, is rich in protein but also high in sugar. For detailed nutritional values, it's recommended to calculate based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, any tart apple variety works well in this recipe.
• Is this cake gluten-free? Yes, as it uses ground almonds instead of flour, it's naturally gluten-free. However, ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too.
• Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely, just follow the storage instructions for best results.

Original recipe by Nigella Lawson​​​​​​.

This Moist Apple Cake is a perfect example of Nigella Lawson's culinary genius, blending simple ingredients into a dessert that's both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this cake is sure to become a favorite.