Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake is a delicious, moist, and comforting dessert that brings together the rich flavors of sweet apples, a touch of cinnamon, and the warm, homely taste of cake. This recipe is made famous by the popular British cooking duo, the Hairy Bikers, who are known for their love of hearty and flavorful dishes.

The apple cake itself is a perfect balance of soft and crumbly texture, making it an excellent choice for both afternoon tea or as a family dessert. It is particularly appreciated for its simplicity and versatility, allowing for variations in the type of apples used, or the addition of nuts and spices for extra depth.

What makes this cake stand out is not just the use of fresh, juicy apples, but also the careful method of combining ingredients to create a tender crumb. Whether served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with a scoop of ice cream, the Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake is a comforting treat that evokes feelings of home and tradition.

Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• Apples (about 2-3 medium-sized): Choose sweet, firm apples like Braeburn or Gala for the best flavor. They provide a lovely sweetness and hold up well when baked.
• Butter (100g or 3.5 oz): The base of the cake will need soft butter to provide richness and flavor.
• Caster sugar (150g or 5.3 oz): This is used to sweeten the cake and add a nice, fine texture to the batter.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure to the cake.
• Self-raising flour (200g or 7 oz): This type of flour contains baking powder and helps the cake rise.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): For a lovely warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): This will help ensure the cake rises evenly.
• Milk (2 tbsp): A little milk helps achieve the right consistency for the batter.
• Lemon zest (optional, 1 tsp): This adds a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Chopped nuts (optional, 50g or 1.75 oz): Walnuts or pecans work wonderfully for adding a crunchy texture to the cake.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): For a light finish.

Equipment Needed

To make this cake, you will need a few basic pieces of kitchen equipment:

1. Mixing bowls: For mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them.
2. Electric mixer (optional): While you can mix by hand, an electric hand mixer will help ensure the butter and sugar are properly creamed and the cake batter is smooth.
3. Spatula: To fold in the ingredients and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Sifter: To sift the flour and baking powder together to avoid clumps and ensure an even distribution.
5. Cake tin: A round or square cake tin of about 20-22 cm (8 inches) is perfect for this recipe. Grease and line the tin with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
6. Grater or zester: For zesting the lemon if you choose to add it.
7. Oven: Preheated to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens.
8. Cooling rack: For allowing the cake to cool evenly once it’s out of the oven.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake

1. Prepare The Apples

   • Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. If you prefer, you can dice them into small cubes. Set the apples aside.

2. Cream Butter And Sugar

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the soft butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done by hand or with an electric mixer.

3. Add Eggs

   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture looks like it might curdle, add a small spoonful of flour to bring it back together.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

   • In a separate bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. This ensures there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.

5. Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently. Add the milk to loosen the mixture, ensuring that everything is well combined but not over-mixed.

6. Add Apples And Optional Ingredients

   • Gently fold in the apple slices and any optional ingredients like lemon zest or chopped nuts. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Transfer To The Cake Tin

   • Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly. The batter will be thick, but don’t worry, it will rise beautifully in the oven.

8. Bake

   • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end to avoid overbaking.

9. Cool And Serve

   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Choosing the Right Apples: To achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, use a variety of apples such as a mix of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Gala apples.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense and heavy cake. Stir just until combined for a light, airy texture.
• Add Extra Flavor: If you love spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, or even a small amount of ground ginger, to enhance the flavor profile.
• Test for Doneness: Baking times can vary based on your oven and cake tin. Always test with a skewer to ensure the cake is cooked through.
• Storage: If you’re not serving the cake right away, it can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

The Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake is a delightful, simple treat that captures the essence of home baking. With its light texture, fragrant apples, and warm spice notes, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket on a cool afternoon.

Whether served at a family gathering, alongside a cup of tea, or as a comforting dessert after dinner, this apple cake is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Happy baking!.

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ apple cake is a delicious and comforting dessert that features the wholesome taste of apples, combined with a light and airy sponge base. But while the traditional recipe is delightful in its own right, there are some creative variations you can try to elevate or personalize this dessert. Whether you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, or prefer a lighter alternative, here are some simple twists to the classic apple cake recipe.

1. Add A Dash Of Spice

For a warm, aromatic depth of flavor, consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom to the batter. The warm spices beautifully complement the sweetness of the apples and enhance the cake’s overall flavor profile. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the cake before baking will also add a nice crunchy, spiced finish.

2. Incorporate Nuts

For an added layer of texture and flavor, mix in chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts into the batter. Nuts not only provide a delightful crunch but their earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the fruity sweetness of apples. You can also top the cake with crushed nuts for a decorative touch and extra flavor.

3. Use Different Types Of Apples

While the original recipe may call for a specific type of apple, feel free to experiment with different varieties. A mix of tart and sweet apples will give the cake a balanced flavor.

Granny Smith apples add a tangy, tart bite, while Fuji or Gala apples bring a sweeter, milder flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!.

4. Add A Layer Of Caramel

To give the cake a more indulgent twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished cake. The rich, buttery caramel contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist apple cake. You can even incorporate caramel into the batter by swirling it through the mix before baking, creating pockets of sweet caramel in every bite.

5. Make It A Vegan Apple Cake

For those following a plant-based diet, it’s easy to swap out eggs and dairy in the original recipe. Use a flaxseed or chia seed "egg" substitute, and swap butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.

Plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk work well in place of cow’s milk. This makes the cake just as delicious while being fully vegan-friendly.

6. Add Zesty Citrus

A hint of citrus zest-whether it’s lemon, orange, or lime-can brighten up the flavors of the apple cake. A teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of orange juice in the batter gives a fresh, zesty note that complements the sweetness of the apples. Citrus zest also provides an aromatic contrast to the richness of the cake.

7. Try A Streusel Topping

If you love the texture of a crumbly topping, a streusel mix made from butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon can be sprinkled on top of the cake before baking. As it bakes, it forms a crispy, golden brown crust that contrasts nicely with the soft, moist interior. You could even add oats to the streusel to create a more rustic, granola-like crunch.

By adding these twists, you can take the traditional Hairy Bikers’ apple cake and transform it into something uniquely your own. The beauty of this cake is its versatility, so feel free to explore different combinations to suit your taste and dietary preferences!

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Storing leftover apple cake properly is essential to maintaining its flavor, moisture, and texture. Here’s how to make sure your cake stays fresh for as long as possible:

1. Cool Before Storing

Before you store your apple cake, make sure to allow it to cool completely. Storing the cake while it’s still warm can create condensation inside the container, which will make the cake soggy. Place it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature before wrapping it up.

2. Use Airtight Containers

Once the cake has cooled, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. A cake dome or a tightly sealed Tupperware-style container works well. If you don’t have a large enough container, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it.

3. Refrigeration For Extended Freshness

If you plan to keep the cake for more than a couple of days, it’s best to refrigerate it. While the fridge may slightly dry out the cake, it will keep the cake fresh for a longer period. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.

4. Freezing For Long-Term Storage

If you want to keep the cake for a much longer period, freezing is the best option. Slice the cake into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, simply defrost at room temperature for several hours, or warm the slices in the microwave for a quick treat.

5. Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, it’s easy to reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place the whole cake in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 10-15 minutes. Adding a little butter or cream before reheating can make it even more indulgent.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your apple cake leftovers for several days or even weeks while preserving their flavor and texture.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake?

Apple cake is a rich, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of accompaniments. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a cozy treat with your afternoon tea, here are some delicious ideas for what to serve alongside it.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with apple cake. The cold, velvety texture of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm, spiced cake. You could also try cinnamon ice cream for an extra touch of flavor, or a caramel-flavored ice cream to enhance the richness of the cake.

2. Whipped Cream

If you prefer something lighter than ice cream, fresh whipped cream is a perfect match. You can make it at home by whipping heavy cream with a touch of sugar and vanilla extract. The airy texture of whipped cream complements the denser, moist apple cake beautifully.

3. Custard Or Crème Anglaise

For an indulgent twist, serve your apple cake with a side of warm custard or crème anglaise. The rich, velvety texture of the custard adds another layer of comfort to the dessert and helps to balance the sweetness of the cake.

4. Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce brings a rich, buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples in the cake. For an even more decadent experience, you could serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream topped with a generous amount of caramel sauce.

5. Fresh Berries

For a refreshing contrast to the richness of the apple cake, serve it with fresh berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. The acidity and juiciness of the berries cut through the sweetness of the cake, making for a well-balanced dessert. You could also create a berry compote to spoon over the cake.

6. Tea Or Coffee

Sometimes, a simple hot beverage is all you need to round off your apple cake. A steaming cup of black tea, like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, pairs wonderfully with the cake’s flavors.

If you’re a coffee lover, try a rich cappuccino or an espresso. The deep flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the cake without overpowering it.

These are just a few ideas to enhance your experience with the Hairy Bikers’ apple cake. Whether you go for something creamy, fruity, or warm, these pairings will make your dessert even more delightful.

Conclusion

Hairy Bikers’ apple cake is a beloved classic for good reason-it’s easy to make, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether you enjoy it in its traditional form or opt to experiment with twists like adding spices, nuts, or caramel, there’s always room to personalize the recipe to your taste.

And when it comes to storing leftovers, keeping the cake fresh is simple with airtight containers or a few tricks like refrigeration and freezing. Finally, don’t forget to think about what you’d like to serve alongside the cake-whether it’s a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of custard, or a cup of tea, the right accompaniments can make this dessert even more special. Enjoy!.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In The Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake?

The Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake recipe requires a combination of simple, everyday ingredients. These include apples (often Bramley or a cooking variety), self-raising flour, baking powder, caster sugar, butter, eggs, ground almonds, cinnamon, and a dash of vanilla extract.

The cake batter is enriched with chopped apples, giving it a moist and tender texture. The cake is also topped with a sprinkle of sugar, which creates a golden, crisp finish.

How Do I Ensure My Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake Stays Moist?

To ensure the Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake stays moist, it’s important to use the right apples. Choose juicy, tart apples like Bramleys, as they help provide moisture and flavor.

The addition of ground almonds also contributes to a moist crumb. Another key tip is to avoid overbaking the cake. Keep an eye on it and use a skewer to check for doneness – it should come out clean when the cake is ready, but don’t leave it in the oven for too long.

Can I Adapt The Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake Recipe For Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the Hairy Bikers’ Apple Cake recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

To make it gluten-free, swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you also add the appropriate amount of xanthan gum to aid the cake’s structure. For a reduced-sugar option, you can use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe while still keeping the apples’ natural sweetness intact.