Simple Dutch Apple Cake Recipe: A Sweet Homemade Treat

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance around this classic dutch apple cake that promises pure comfort.

Nostalgic aromas drift through family homes, connecting generations with each delectable slice.

Crisp autumn apples nestle into a tender, buttery batter creating magic on your plate.

Delightful layers meld together, promising a dessert that speaks directly to your soul.

Baking becomes an intimate celebration of seasonal abundance and culinary tradition.

Soft crumbles and caramelized fruit edges invite you to savor every single bite.

Prepare to transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece that will spark joy at your table.

Why Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake Is A Cozy Bake

• Craft Comfort Dessert: A heartwarming Dutch apple cake that delivers pure homestyle goodness with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Super Simple Technique: Beginner bakers can confidently create this delightful dessert using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Perfect for casual gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or afternoon snack times that bring everyone together around the table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully as a breakfast pastry, afternoon tea accompaniment, or sweet ending to a family meal with its classic apple-cinnamon charm.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's texture and browning.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's richness.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dessert.

• Shortening: Ensures a tender and soft cake texture.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning agents that help the cake rise and enhance flavor.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the apples and adds depth to the cake's taste.

Steps To Make Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F), creating the perfect cozy environment for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grease a 7×11-inch baking pan, ensuring nothing sticks during the baking magic.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together shortening and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth, dreamy texture.

Step 4: Blend in Moisture

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture looks silky and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients, creating a harmonious batter.

Step 7: Handle with Care

Stir the batter gently, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 8: Fill the Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.

Step 9: Arrange Apple Topping

Carefully place apple slices over the batter, lightly pressing them into the surface.

Step 10: Sprinkle Sweet Topping

Mix sugar and cinnamon, then generously dust over the apple-topped cake.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy the warm, fragrant deliciousness!

Tips To Get Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake Just Right

• Slice Apples Thinly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, thin apple slices for even baking and elegant presentation.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration before arranging on the cake.
• Check Moisture Level: Test cake doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs, milk, and shortening sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.

New Takes On Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake

• Gluten-Free Dutch Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap egg with mashed banana, use coconut oil instead of shortening, and choose plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Apple Comfort: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and use tart apples for natural sweetness.
• Spiced Autumn Cake: Add nutmeg and cardamom to the cinnamon topping, use brown sugar for deeper flavor, and incorporate chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Pairing Ideas For Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Custard: Smooth, rich vanilla custard complements the warm apple cake's spicy cinnamon notes and provides a luxurious contrast.
• Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Black Tea: Hot black tea infused with cinnamon sticks echoes the cake's warm spices and cuts through its sweetness with a robust flavor.
• Select Caramel Cream Liqueur: Silky caramel liqueur enhances the dessert's apple and cinnamon profile, adding depth and a subtle boozy warmth to each bite.
• Serve Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, freshly whipped cream with a hint of vanilla balances the cake's dense texture and adds a delicate, airy element to the dessert.

How To Store Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake Properly

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve the cake's texture and flavor.
• Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the cake's original warmth.

FAQ Help For Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake

• Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it okay to substitute ingredients like milk or shortening?

You can replace shortening with butter, and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just ensure the substitutions maintain similar fat and liquid content.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Check with a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to touch.

Dutch Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this Dutch apple cake, a delightful dessert that celebrates traditional Netherlands baking. Sweet apple chunks nestled in a tender crumb invite you to savor each warm, spiced bite of culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 0.5 cup shortening
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup milk

Topping:

• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 175C (350F) with a rack positioned in the center.
2. Thoroughly coat a 7-11 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend shortening and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla, mixing until completely uniform and smooth.
5. In a separate container, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with milk – beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Gently fold the batter, taking care not to overmix and preserve its delicate texture.
8. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
9. Artfully arrange apple slices across the surface, gently pressing them into the batter.
10. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon, then generously dust over the apple-topped cake.
11. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, checking doneness with a clean skewer.
12. Remove from oven and allow cake to rest for several minutes before serving, enabling it to set properly.

Notes

• Swap shortening with coconut oil or butter for a richer flavor profile and alternative dietary needs.
• Create gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same cake texture.
• Enhance apple selection by using tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp varieties for balanced taste complexity.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing sliced fruit in lemon juice before arranging on cake batter, maintaining fresh appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 301 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 151 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg