Heavenly Apple and Almond Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

My obsession with classic apple and almond cake recipes started during a cozy autumn afternoon in my grandmother’s kitchen.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and baked fruit wafted through the room, promising delectable comfort.

Rustic baking traditions often carry deep emotional connections that spark memories of shared moments.

Soft almonds and tender apple slices create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Subtle sweetness and nutty undertones make this dessert irresistibly charming for any gathering.

Baking this cake will transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Come explore a delightful recipe that celebrates simple ingredients and heartwarming traditions.

Top Reasons To Make Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake

• Craft a Delightful Dessert: This apple and almond cake transforms simple ingredients into a stunning treat that feels like a special occasion without complex techniques.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with nuts and fruits, the recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional cakes, providing natural sweetness and protein from almonds.
• Create Impressive Texture: Blending toasted almonds and diced apples creates a unique, moist cake with rich, nutty undertones that will surprise and delight guests.
• Versatile Serving Option: Perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this cake adapts beautifully to different settings and can be dressed up with a simple confectioners sugar dusting.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake

• Apples: Fresh, sweet apples that provide natural moisture and fruity flavor to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth and cohesive cake texture.
• Almond Extract: Provides a rich, nutty essence that enhances the cake's overall flavor profile.
• Superfine Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate cake structure.

• Ground Almonds, Baking Powder, Corn Starch: Provides structure, lift, and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Cinnamon, Ginger: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.

• Lemon: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness.
• Confectioners Sugar: Provides a sweet, decorative dusting on the finished cake.
• Butter: Used for greasing the cake tin to prevent sticking.

Steps To Bake Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Vessel

Generously coat a cake tin with butter and line it with parchment paper, creating a non-stick paradise.

Step 3: Transform the Apples

Carefully peel, core, and dice the apples into delicate cubes. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and sugar, giving them a sparkly coating.

Step 4: Soften the Apple Mixture

Gently cook the apple mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally until the fruit becomes tender and most of the liquid evaporates. Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Nutty Base

Toast almonds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant. Pulse in a food processor until they resemble fine sand. Allow to cool down.

Step 6: Create the Wet Mixture

• Softened apples
• Eggs
• Almond extract
• Superfine sugar

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Ground almonds
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Baking powder
• Corn starch

Step 8: Combine with Care

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, creating a luxurious batter.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 50-60 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Rest

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

Step 11: Final Flourish

Dust the top with a delicate sprinkle of confectioners sugar just before serving.

Helpful Ideas For Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples with lemon juice immediately to stop oxidation and maintain fresh color.
• Maximize Almond Flavor: Toast almonds carefully to enhance their nutty essence and release deeper, richer flavors before grinding.
• Ensure Moisture Balance: Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands.
• Precision in Baking: Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and more consistent cake texture.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick in center – if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, cake is perfectly baked.

Ways To Tweak Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake

• Gluten-Free Almond Apple Cake: Replace corn starch with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and binding properties.
• Vegan Apple Almond Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based sugar.
• Low-Sugar Apple Almond Treat: Replace superfine sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall caloric content while maintaining cake's natural sweetness.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Add nutmeg and cardamom to existing spices, enhancing warm flavor profile and creating a more complex taste experience.

Great Sides With Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato that complements the cake's delicate almond and apple flavors, enhancing the dessert's subtle sweetness.
• Create Creamy Accompaniment: Serve a dollop of vanilla bean mascarpone cream alongside the cake, adding luxurious richness and balancing the cake's warm spices.
• Match with Aromatic Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey or chamomile tea to highlight the cake's delicate notes, providing a soothing and elegant drink pairing.
• Elevate with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a light homemade salted caramel sauce over each slice, intensifying the cake's apple and almond undertones while adding a luxurious touch.

How To Keep Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake Good

• Place cooled cake in an airtight container, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal carefully to prevent moisture loss.
• Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Keep cake covered with a clean kitchen towel on a cake stand for 1-2 days at cool room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore freshness by placing in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake FAQ List

• Why use lemon with apples?

Lemon prevents browning and adds bright, tangy flavor that balances the cake’s sweetness.

• Can I use whole almonds instead of ground almonds?

Yes, but toast and blitz them into fine powder first to ensure even texture and consistent flavor distribution.

• What makes this cake different from traditional apple cakes?

This recipe uses almond extract and ground almonds, creating a richer, nuttier profile compared to standard apple cakes.

• Is corn starch necessary in this recipe?

Corn starch helps bind ingredients, provides structure, and ensures a tender, moist cake texture without making it dense.

Apple And Almond Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 75-90 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of home bloom in this rustic apple and almond cake, where classic French countryside charm meets homemade comfort. Delicate slices promise a warm embrace of seasonal fruits and nutty richness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Fruit:

• 4 medium apples (about 1 lb or 454 grams)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Nuts and Spices:

• 10 ounces (284 grams) whole blanched almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Baking Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 9 ounces (255 grams) superfine sugar
• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar

Additional:

• Butter, for greasing

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a cake tin with butter and parchment paper.
2. Peel and dice apples, then toss with lemon juice and sugar in a pan.
3. Simmer apples for 10-15 minutes until soft and moisture evaporates, then set aside to cool completely.
4. Lightly toast almonds for 5-8 minutes, then grind into fine crumbs using a food processor.
5. Combine cooled apples, eggs, almond extract, and superfine sugar in the food processor, blending until smooth.
6. In a separate bowl, mix ground almonds, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, and corn starch.
7. Gently fold the wet apple mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
8. Transfer batter to the prepared cake tin, spreading evenly.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Before serving, dust the top with a light layer of confectioners sugar.

Notes

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and structural integrity during baking.
• Toast almonds carefully to enhance nutty flavor without burning, watching closely and stirring frequently.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cinnamon and ginger according to personal taste preferences.
• Use gluten-free baking powder and cornstarch to make the cake suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg