Something ideal for Harvest – September Recipe of the Month.

West Country Apple and Cider Cake

Celebrate the West Country harvest with this delicious apple and cider cake. Perfect for autumn, this cake combines the tang of cider with the sweetness of apples, bringing a true taste of the region.

This recipe is inspired by Cedrics Somerset Cider Apple Cake

Ingredients

2 large cooking apples (e.g., Bramley)

200ml dry West Country cider

200g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

175g unsalted butter, softened

175g caster sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

A pinch of nutmeg

50g demerara sugar (for topping)

Equipment

20cm (8-inch) cake tin, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, wire rack

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm cake tin.

Peel, core, and slice the apples. Soak them in the cider for about 30 minutes.

Cooking

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.

Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Drain the apples, reserving the cider. Gently fold the apples into the batter and pour it into the cake tin.

Sprinkle the demerara sugar on top and bake for 45-50 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.

Optional: Drizzle the reserved cider over the warm cake for added flavour.

Cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with clotted cream or custard!

Find more Seasonal Inspiration on the September page of the Almanac.

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