Name: Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 225g plain flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 175g unsalted butter, softened; 175g light brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 3 tbsp cider; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Optional: A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans

This Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake is the perfect blend of warm spices, juicy apples, and the subtle tang of cider. This moist, flavorful cake captures the essence of autumn and is ideal for teatime, dessert, or as a comforting treat on cooler days.

What is Delia Smith’s Spiced Apple and Cider Cake?

Spiced Apple and Cider Cake is a classic British bake combining fresh apples, a mix of warming spices, and cider to create a moist and aromatic cake. Delia Smith’s recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a timeless favorite.

Other Popular Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Moist and tender: Apples and cider ensure every bite is soft and luscious.
Warm spices: Brings cozy flavors perfect for autumn or winter.
Simple ingredients: Easy to make with pantry staples.
Great for any occasion: Works as a dessert, snack, or afternoon tea treat.
Versatile: Add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.

Ingredients Needed for Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake

For the Cake:

225g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
175g unsalted butter, softened
175g light brown sugar
3 large eggs
3 tbsp cider
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Topping:

2 tbsp light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
20cm (8-inch) round cake tin
Baking parchment

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line the base of a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until pale and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a tablespoon of the flour mixture with each egg to prevent curdling.
Incorporate the Cider and Apples: Fold in the remaining flour mixture, followed by the cider and diced apples. Mix gently until just combined.
Prepare the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the batter. For extra texture, add chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve With Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake

Custard: A classic pairing for an indulgent dessert.
Whipped cream: Adds a light, creamy contrast.
Vanilla ice cream: Perfect for a warm slice of cake.
Hot cider or tea: Complements the flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake

Use tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Bramley work best for balancing sweetness.
Don’t overmix: Gently fold the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
Test for doneness: Insert a skewer in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Add texture: Stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
Store properly: Keep the cake moist by wrapping it tightly in cling film or storing in an airtight container.

How Do I Store Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake?

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Extend freshness by keeping it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Value (per slice):

Calories: 280
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of cider in this cake?

Yes, you can substitute cider with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version or use a mild white wine or calvados (apple brandy) for a slightly different flavor. Adjust the quantity to maintain the balance of moisture in the cake.

What are the best apples to use for spiced apple and cider cake?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

How do I stop the apples from sinking in the cake?

To prevent apples from sinking, toss the diced apples lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended during baking.

Can I freeze spiced apple and cider cake?

Yes, spiced apple and cider cake freezes well. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Words

This Delia Smith Spiced Apple and Cider Cake Recipe is a must-try for lovers of cozy, spiced bakes. With its moist crumb, aromatic spices, and bursts of apple, it’s a versatile cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with your favorite topping for a comforting treat that never goes out of style.

More Delicious Recipes