Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a magical bakery that will have everyone begging for seconds? This Apple and Almond Sponge is not just a cake—it's a mouthwatering journey of tender, moist crumb studded with juicy apple chunks and a delicate almond essence that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a showstopping dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional pastry chef's kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 100g butter, softened
- 100g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100g self-raising flour
- 50g almond meal
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease an 8-inch round baking tin with butter, then line the base with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of the flour to stabilize it.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour and almond meal using a spatula, ensuring no dry pockets remain. Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and fold in the peeled and diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking tin, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most luxurious batter.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold your dry ingredients to keep the sponge light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- Moisture Check: Use the skewer test to ensure perfect doneness—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your sponge with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
