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Dutch Apple Cake

Recipe by Rachel Allen from Rachel Allen Bake!

This cake has been made at Ballymaloe for years. We even have guests who ask for it specifically every time they visit. The fruit sinks to the bottom as it cooks, leaving a light sponge on top with a lovely sugary crust. Makes 12-16 squares.

Ingredients

2 eggs
175g (6oz) caster sugar, plus 15g (1/2oz) extra sugar, for sprinkling
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
(3oz) butter
75ml (2 ½ fl oz) milk
125g (4 ½ oz) plain flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 ¼ tsp baking powder
2 small (or 1 large) cooking apples
75ml (2 ½ fl oz) double cream, to serve

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Method

Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF), Gas mark 6. Line the sides and base of the cake tin (20 x 20cm (8 x 8in) square cake tin) with parchment paper.
Using an electric whisk, whisk the eggs, 175g (6oz) caster sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and mousse-like and the whisk leaves a figure of eight pattern (this will take about 5 minutes).
Melt the butter in a saucepan with the milk, then pour onto the eggs, whisking all the time. Sift in the flour, cinnamon and baking powder and fold carefully into the batter so that there are no lumps of flour. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface.
Peel and core the apples and cut into thin slices, then arrange them over the batter. They will sink to the bottom (this is meant to happen!). Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180ºC (350ºF), Gas mark 4 and bake for a further 20–25 minutes or until well risen and golden brown.
Allow to cool in the tin, cut into squares and serve warm. It is delicious with cream!

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Notes & Tips

VARIATION
Raspberry and pear: Instead of the cinnamon, mix the finely grated zest of 1 orange into the batter. Instead of the apples, sink 100g (31/2oz) fresh or frozen raspberries and thin slices of 2 pears into the batter and cook in the same way.

Recipe Rating

What do you think?

ValeriePNG 3 months ago

Made it. Turned out perfect. Is now favorite.

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Lynn111 4 months ago

Delicious cake! My apples did stay on top, but didn't matter. Sponge was light and gorgeous and rose really well!

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Rosalie37 4 months ago

This is really yummy, except my cake didn't rise in the middle, I didn't push the apples down though which may have contributed. Still a really yummy cake and I'm about to make it again for dessert tonight!

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Julia64 5 months ago

This is delicious, I pushed my apple slices in batter before putting in the oven. Fantastic warmed slightly in microwave with ice cream!

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suzycakie 11 months ago

Made this last night a big winner with everyone, very light and so easy to make

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karen December 2010

been baking this one all the time now.....the family love it....rachel we love you...xxxx

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randomlyred September 2010

My apples also didn't sink, but the cake is still good. I doubled the cinnamon and added a wee touch of ground cloves for a spicy apple cake.

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E Mitrow July 2010

My apples didn't sink to the bottom like Rachel said they would! Doesn't matter, cake is lovely and they look good on top.

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- leni 10 months ago
  
  Mine havent sunk either. although ive used spelt flour and that generally needs a little more liquid
  
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BG53 February 2010

is in the oven as I speak/type. Rachel is so down to earth and so pleasing to watch, great shows.

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kags ek January 2010

just going to try this recipe since its such a hit............cant wait!!!! thanx rachel

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Thea11 January 2010

Saw this yesterday and love the look of it. I will try it at the weekend. Being Dutch probably peaked my interest.

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Janet97 January 2010

Just a question about oven temperatures. Does this take into considaration the use of fan assisted ovens or do I need to reduce them a few degrees? My cake is in te oven now so I hope I have got it right!

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TDT November 2009

I have made this cake substituting the plain flour with Doves Farm gluten free flour and it still works beautifully. It is a really light sponge and doesn't last long in our house! FANTASTIC!

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- caz January 2011
  
  Do you know where can I buy doves flour in australia?
  
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Winnish September 2009

Made this cake last week with plums, and it was delicious! I'm planning to make it again tomorrow

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EFRAT June 2009

I think that Rachel has the best baking recipes .T-H-A-N-K-S!!!!!

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MH119 May 2009

Absolutely fantastic! I have now made this cake twice. Glad to read that the apples sink! I was a little worried about my cake. However, the sponge topping was delicious. this will become an all time favourite in our house.

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KC172 May 2009

Watched this last night ... looks too easy. can't wait to make. Hopefully the kids will luv it.

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Mrs May 2009

I have made this cake and believe me when i say, that it is easy and delicious. She has the best recipes and yes, simple and easy instructions to follow. THANKYOU RACHEL.

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- Mary 11 months ago
  
  I watched Rachel also when she made this cake it looked so simple, I am absolutely certain that it's as delicious as you say. Indeed Thank you Rachel
  
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- ozirish January 2010
  
  watched rachel today in australia it was the soda bread recipe................who knew you could do all that with plain old soda bread.....advertising for next week here for the dutch apple cake but could i wait.no....just got the recipe now hubby off to get me eggs as i had run out....i find when i watch rachel on tele want to bake as soon as show over ha ha...she is beautiful and so explanatory ........it does help that i came from n ireland originally and now live in oz....great she has done so well ..truly well deserved.............my kind of cook
  
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