If you are looking for a delicious and easy cake recipe that is perfect for any occasion, look no further than this Mary Berry apple and almond cake. This cake is moist, fruity, nutty, and gluten-free, and it has a lovely crunchy topping of flaked almonds. It is one of Mary Berry’s favorite recipes for AGA cooking, but you can also make it in a conventional oven. In this article, I will show you how to make this amazing cake step by step, with tips and tricks from Mary Berry herself.
What is Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake Recipe?
Mary Berry’s Apple and Almond Cake is a delightful recipe perfect for any occasion. This gluten-free cake combines moist apples with nutty almonds and is topped with crunchy flaked almonds. Though ideal for AGA ovens, it works just as well in conventional ovens. Key ingredients include cooked apples, ground almonds, eggs, sugar, spices, and corn starch, finished with a dusting of confectioners sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- Related: Top 6 Mary Berry Apple Cake Recipes
Why You Love this Recipe
This Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake recipe is popular for several reasons:
- Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Simple to Prepare: The recipe involves straightforward ingredients and steps, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert, a casual snack, or even a breakfast treat.
- Rich in Flavor: A delightful mix of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Offers a soft and tender crumb that enhances the overall taste.
- Crunchy Topping: Features a crispy, golden layer of flaked almonds for added texture.
- Visually Appealing: The optional snowflake decoration adds an element of elegance and festivity to the cake.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
To make this cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (approx. 1 lb)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
- Butter, for greasing
- 10 oz whole blanched almonds
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 6 large eggs
- 9 oz superfine sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons confectioner sugar
Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- A deep 9-inch springform cake pan
- Greaseproof paper
- A baking tray
- A food processor
- A saucepan
- A skewer
- A palette knife
- A wire rack
- A serving plate
- A snowflake stencil (optional)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
Here are the steps to make this cake:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pan
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease the cake pan with butter and line the base and sides with greaseproof paper.
Step 2: Cook the apples
Peel and core the apples and cut them into small dice. Pour the apples into a saucepan with the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of superfine sugar and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and all the liquid that is released during cooking has evaporated. Then remove from the heat and let them cool completely.
Step 3: Toast the almonds
Pour the almonds onto a baking tray and bake for 5 to 8 minutes until lightly golden. Make sure to keep an eye on them as they burn easily. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 4: Grind the almonds
Once the almonds are cool, pour them into a food processor and grind them to a fine sand texture. Once they reach the fine sand texture, remove them from the bowl and set them aside.
Step 5: Blend the apple mixture
Take the cooled apples and place them in the bowl of a food processor, with the almond extract, eggs, and 9 oz of superfine sugar. Blend until combined.
Step 6: Add the dry ingredients
Add the ground almonds, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, and cornstarch and blend to combine. Make sure not to overmix.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the cake pan
Pour the batter into the lined cake pan and smooth the surface with a palette knife.
Step 8: Bake the cake
Bake the cake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. Cover with foil halfway through cooking if the cake is browning too much on the top.
Step 9: Cool the cake
Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. After 10 minutes, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely.
Step 10: Decorate the cake
Place the cake on a serving plate. If you want to make a snowflake decoration on top, cut a snowflake stencil out of a sheet of paper and dust it with confectioner sugar. Lay the stencil over the top of the cake and dust it with more confectioner sugar. Lift off the stencil and serve.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake?
You can serve this cake with various accompaniments, depending on your preference and the occasion.
Some of the options are:
- Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream goes well with this cake, adding creaminess and contrast.
- Crème fraîche: A dollop of crème fraîche adds a tangy and refreshing touch to this cake, balancing the sweetness and richness.
- Whipped cream: A spoonful of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to this cake, enhancing the flavor and moistness.
- Custard: A drizzle of custard adds a warm and cozy feeling to this cake, making it more indulgent and satisfying.
- Fruit: A slice of fresh fruit, such as apple, pear, or berry, adds a burst of freshness and color to this cake, complementing the fruitiness and nuttiness.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
Here are some pro tips to make this cake perfect every time:
- Make sure to cook the apples until they are soft and all the liquid has evaporated, otherwise, the cake will be soggy and wet.
- Toast the almonds until they are lightly golden, but not burned, otherwise they will add a bitter flavor to the cake.
- Grind the almonds to a fine sand texture, but not too fine, otherwise they will lose their crunch and flavor.
- Blend the apple mixture until it is smooth, but not too smooth, otherwise, the cake will be dense and heavy.
- Do not overmix the batter, otherwise, the cake will be tough and rubbery.
- Cover the cake with foil halfway through baking, otherwise, the cake will brown too much on the top.
- Test the cake with a skewer, otherwise, the cake will be undercooked or overcooked in the center.
Variations of Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
Enhance the classic flavor of Mary Berry’s Apple and Almond Cake with these straightforward yet delightful variations. Each option offers a unique twist to the original recipe, providing you with simple ways to tailor the cake to your taste preferences.
- Spice Mix: Add warmth and flavor to the cake by including spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or clove. These spices will subtly enhance the cake’s taste, making it suitable for different occasions.
- Nut Variations: Incorporate different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or pistachios. This change will give the cake an added crunch and a variety of nutty flavors, enriching the overall experience.
- Fruit Options: For extra sweetness and a juicy texture, try adding fruits like pears, plums, or apricots. These fruits blend well with the apple base and add a fresh dimension to the cake.
- Rich Additions: Introduce more texture and richness to the cake by mixing in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or coconut flakes. This will make the cake more indulgent and appealing for those who enjoy a richer dessert.
- Citrus Zest: Add a fresh touch with lemon or orange zest. This simple addition creates a pleasant contrast with the cake’s sweet and nutty flavors, offering a refreshing taste.
These variations are easy to incorporate and will add a personal touch to your Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake. Feel free to try them out and find your favorite combination.
How do I store Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of this cake, you can store them in different ways, such as:
In an airtight container
- You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make sure to wrap the cake well with plastic wrap or foil, to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.
- Do not dust the cake with confectioners sugar until you are ready to serve, to prevent it from melting or clumping.
In the freezer
- You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months, either whole or in slices.
- Make sure to wrap the cake well with plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag, to prevent it from freezer burn or ice crystals.
- Do not dust the cake with confectioners sugar before freezing, to prevent it from melting or clumping.
- Thaw the cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving, and dust it with confectioner sugar if desired.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake Leftovers?
If you want to reheat this cake, you can do it in different ways, such as:
In the oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover the cake loosely with foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until crisp on the top.
- Dust the cake with confectioners sugar if desired and serve.
In the microwave
- Place the cake on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave the cake for 10 to 15 seconds, or until warm.
- Dust the cake with confectioners sugar if desired and serve.
Nutrition value (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Fat: 14.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.9 g
- Protein: 7.1 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Sugar: 23.6 g
- Sodium: 13 mg
- Potassium: 181 mg
- Calcium: 69 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Other Apple Cake Recipes to Try
- Mary Berry Dorset Apple Cake
- Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Cake
- Hairy Bikers Apple Cake
- Mary Berry Apple and Cinnamon Cake
- Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you like, as long as they are suitable for baking. Some of the best apples for baking are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the apples.
How do I make this cake in an AGA oven?
If you have an AGA oven, you can follow the instructions in the notes section of the recipe. You will need to use the grid shelf on the floor of the roasting oven and the cold plain shelf on the second set of runners and transfer the cake between them during baking.
How do I make a snowflake stencil for the decoration?
You can make a snowflake stencil by folding a sheet of paper in half, then in half again, then in thirds. Cut out some shapes along the edges of the paper, making sure to leave some space between them. Unfold the paper and you will have a snowflake stencil. You can also find some printable snowflake templates online
Final Words
Now that you know how to make this Mary Berry apple and almond cake, you can enjoy it with your family and friends. This cake is great as a dessert served warm with ice cream or crème fraîche, or with a morning coffee. It is also gluten-free, so it is suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. I hope you liked this recipe and found it easy to follow. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy baking!
