Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake – A Delightfully Moist and Zesty Bake

This Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake is a delightful combination of sweet apples and tangy lemon, creating a moist and flavorful treat. With a soft sponge, juicy apple chunks, and a hint of citrus freshness, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert. The balance of flavors makes it a must-try for any baking enthusiast!

What is Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake?

Mary Berry’s Apple and Lemon Cake is a soft and fluffy sponge cake infused with grated lemon zest and juicy apple pieces. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the lemon enhances the flavor with a refreshing citrus zing. This cake is simple to make and pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Moist and Tender Texture – Apples keep the cake soft and delicious.
• Refreshing Citrus Flavor – Lemon zest adds a bright, zesty contrast.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it as a tea-time treat or a dessert.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake

• Self-raising flour (225g) – Creates a light and airy texture.
• Butter (175g, softened) – Adds richness and moisture.
• Caster sugar (175g) – Sweetens the cake perfectly.
• Eggs (3, large) – Provides structure and stability.
• Lemon zest (1 lemon, finely grated) – Adds a fresh citrus touch.
• Milk (2 tbsp) – Ensures a soft and moist crumb.
• Apples (2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• Baking powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cake rise.
• Icing sugar (for dusting, optional) – A light dusting enhances presentation.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin
• Baking parchment
• Grater (for lemon zest)
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Apple and Lemon Cake

1. Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with baking parchment.

2. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

3. Add the eggs and lemon zest
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the grated lemon zest.

4. Sift in the dry ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold it in with a spatula.

5. Add milk for extra moisture
Stir in the milk to loosen the batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.

6. Fold in the diced apples
Gently mix in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Transfer to the cake tin
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake to perfection
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and serve
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving, if desired.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake

• A cup of tea or coffee – A perfect afternoon pairing.
• Warm custard – Turns it into a comforting dessert.
• Fresh berries – Adds color and extra freshness.
• A dollop of whipped cream – Enhances the cake’s richness.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake

• Use fresh lemons – Freshly grated zest gives the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold the ingredients to keep the cake light.
• Coat apples in flour – Prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
• Check for doneness – Insert a skewer; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Let it cool properly – Cooling enhances texture and flavor.
• Serve warm or cold – It tastes delicious either way!

What are Variations of Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake?

• Cinnamon Apple Cake – Add 1 tsp cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Almond Apple Cake – Stir in 50g ground almonds for a nutty twist.
• Glazed Lemon Drizzle Cake – Top with a lemon syrup glaze for extra zest.
• Caramel Apple Cake – Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Vegan Apple and Lemon Cake – Replace eggs with flaxseed or applesauce and use dairy-free butter.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake?

• Room temperature storage – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator storage – Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing option – Wrap slices in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months.

How Do I Reheat Mary Berry’s Apple and Lemon Cake?

• Oven method – Reheat at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave method – Heat individual slices on low power for 10-15 seconds.
• From frozen – Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Apple and Lemon Cake Healthier?

• Use whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce sugar – Swap half the sugar for honey or maple syrup.
• Replace butter with yogurt – Keeps it moist with fewer calories.
• Add nuts or seeds – Extra texture and nutrients.

Can I use different apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use any apple variety, but Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape and provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why did my cake turn out too dense?

A dense cake can be caused by overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or not using enough leavening agent. Ensure you fold in the flour gently and measure ingredients accurately.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free baking mix and add ½ tsp xanthan gum to maintain the structure.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and flavor. Simply fold 50g of chopped nuts into the batter before baking.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake is a beautifully light and flavorful bake that brings together the sweetness of apples and the zestiness of lemon. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a homemade cake bursting with fresh flavors!

Other British Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Muffins
• James Martin Chicken and Leek Pie
• Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

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