Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake Recipe

Dorset Apple Cake is a quintessentially English treat, hailing from the lush, orchard-rich county of Dorset in the southwest of England. Delia Smith, a revered figure in British cooking, brought her refined touch to this humble regional delight, creating a recipe that is both homey and elevated.

Her version embodies everything you want in a traditional apple cake: a buttery, golden crumb interspersed with tender chunks of tart cooking apples, gently spiced with cinnamon, and often finished with a crunchy sugar topping. It’s not too sweet, perfectly moist, and carries an irresistible old-fashioned charm. Served warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a splash of custard, it’s comfort on a plate.

Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Delia Smith’s recipes are known for their reliability and balance, and this one is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need for the Dorset Apple Cake:

• 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 1 level tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 110g (4 oz) unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
• 110g (4 oz) caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 225g (8 oz) cooking apples (like Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk (or as needed for consistency)
• Optional: zest of 1 lemon for a fresh twist

These ingredients create a cake that is rich yet not heavy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Equipment Needed

To bring this cake to life, you’ll need:

• 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin (preferably springform)
• Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
• Sieve (for flour and baking powder)
• Pastry blender or fingertips (to rub in the butter)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (if using lemon zest)
• Knife and chopping board (for prepping apples)
• Baking parchment or greaseproof paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake

1. Preheat & Prepare:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
   • Grease the cake tin and line the base with parchment.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into a large bowl.

3. Rub in the Butter:

   • Add the chilled butter cubes and rub them into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

4. Add Sugar and Apples:

   • Stir in the caster sugar and the chopped apples, ensuring the fruit is well distributed.

5. Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and mix with the milk (and lemon zest if using).

6. Combine:

   • Pour the egg mixture into the flour and apple mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.

7. Bake:

   • Spoon the batter into the prepared tin and level the top. Sprinkle with a bit of caster sugar for a crunchy top.
   • Bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely – or serve it slightly warm.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Apple Choice: Stick with cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith. They retain texture and add tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet crumb.
• Cold Butter: Use cold butter for rubbing into the flour. It creates a lighter, tender crumb.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the wet and dry ingredients meet, treat the batter gently. Overmixing will lead to a dense cake.
• Spice it Up: For an autumnal twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon.
• Rustic Finish: The top should look a little rugged and golden – that’s part of the charm. A light dusting of demerara sugar before baking adds a lovely crunch.

Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake is the epitome of English countryside baking – simple, honest, and deeply satisfying. It’s a cake that doesn’t need fancy frostings or layers. Instead, it speaks with the voice of tradition and warmth, perfect for sharing over a pot of tea or sneaking a slice while it’s still warm from the oven.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned hand, this recipe is a deliciously rewarding place to spend an afternoon.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake Recipe

Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake is a quintessential British bake – rustic, moist, and subtly spiced, with pockets of tender apple that evoke countryside charm and farmhouse kitchens. While her original recipe is wonderfully satisfying, you can easily add your own signature twist to elevate or personalize it.

1. Spiced & Aromatic Variations:
   Try introducing warm, aromatic spices like cardamom or allspice for a more complex profile. A half-teaspoon of ground ginger adds a peppery warmth that pairs beautifully with tart cooking apples like Bramleys or Granny Smiths.

2. Nutty Crunch:
   Add texture with a handful of chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans. Toast them lightly beforehand to intensify their flavor and scatter a few on top before baking for a beautiful, golden finish.

3. Boozy Boost:
   Soak raisins or sultanas in Calvados, brandy, or spiced rum for 30 minutes before folding them into the batter. They provide little bursts of rich, plump sweetness that elevate the cake into a festive treat.

4. Zesty Uplift:
   Add the finely grated zest of an orange or lemon to the batter. The citrus lifts the richness of the cake and brings out the brightness of the apple without overpowering it.

5. Crumble-Topped Luxury:
   Take inspiration from crumble-topped muffins by layering a buttery streusel over the cake before baking. Use brown sugar, flour, oats, and cold diced butter with a touch of cinnamon for a deliciously crunchy crown.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Storing Dorset Apple Cake correctly ensures it retains its moist texture and doesn’t dry out or become soggy. Here’s how to keep your leftovers as delightful as the day it was baked:

1. Room Temperature (Short-Term):
   If you plan to enjoy the cake within two days, store it at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.

2. Refrigeration (Medium-Term):
   For storage up to five days, refrigerate the cake. Wrap it in parchment first (to prevent sticking) and then foil or an airtight container. Note: Refrigeration can firm the crumb, so let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

3. Freezing (Long-Term):
   Dorset Apple Cake freezes brilliantly. Slice the cake, wrap individual portions in cling film, and then store in a zip-lock freezer bag or a freezer-safe container.

   Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight at room temperature for best results.

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake?

A slice of this spiced apple delight is charming on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully transforms it into a dessert masterpiece. Here are some sublime ways to enjoy it:

1. Creamy Companions:
   Serve with a generous dollop of clotted cream or a swirl of crème fraîche. The richness balances the fruitiness of the cake.

2. Custard, of Course:
   A drizzle of warm, vanilla-laced custard is a classic British choice – comforting, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying.

3. A Scoop of Ice Cream:
   Vanilla bean, cinnamon, or salted caramel ice cream melts luxuriously into the warm cake, creating an irresistible contrast of hot and cold.

4. Cheese Pairings (Yes, Really!):
   In true West Country tradition, try a thin slice of sharp mature cheddar alongside your apple cake. The salty tang of the cheese complements the sweetness of the cake – a surprisingly harmonious duo.

5. Teatime Beverages:
   Pair with a pot of Earl Grey or spiced chai for a classic afternoon tea. Or, go bold with mulled cider or a dessert wine like Sauternes for an indulgent evening twist.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a tribute to traditional English baking. Its charm lies in its simplicity – but also in its versatility.

Whether you’re enhancing it with spices, storing it for future indulgence, or pairing it with unexpected accompaniments, every variation adds a new layer of experience to this timeless treat. So the next time you bake it, don’t be afraid to make it your own – after all, that’s the joy of home baking.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake?

The key ingredients in Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake include flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, ground almonds, and fresh apples (usually Bramley apples). The recipe also uses a touch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for flavor, along with a bit of milk to achieve the right batter consistency. The apples are a crucial part of the recipe, as they not only add moisture but also a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Apple For Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake?

While Bramley apples are traditionally used in Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake because of their tartness and ability to break down during baking, you can experiment with other apple varieties. However, it’s best to choose apples that are slightly tart, such as Granny Smiths, to replicate the balance of sweetness and acidity. If you opt for sweeter apples, you might want to adjust the sugar content to avoid making the cake too sweet.

Can Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake Be Made Ahead Of Time And Stored?

Yes, Delia Smith’s Dorset Apple Cake can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavor often improves after a day or two.

To store the cake, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in cling film or storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container.