Nestled in the heart of West Country England, the traditional Somerset apple cake stands as a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. With its roots deeply ingrained in the local orchards and hedgerows, this classic dessert embodies the essence of rustic charm and homely goodness. From the sweet and juicy apples that lend their natural tanginess to the moist and tender crumb, every bite of this delectable cake transports one to the rolling hills and lush greenery of Somerset. Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat during chilly evenings or as a sweet indulgence after hearty meals, the Somerset apple cake continues to capture the hearts of both locals and visitors alike, leaving a lasting impression of the region's culinary artistry.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
SOMERSET POMONA, APPLE & ALMOND CAKE
This simple cake makes a great dinner treat or serve with cream for a filling dessert
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Afternoon tea, Buffet, Dessert, Snack
Time 1h25m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and line the base and sides of a 20cm round cake tin. Peel, core and slice the apples to about the thickness of a £1 coin. Melt the knob of butter in a large frying pan then tip in the apples. Cook over a medium heat, stirring every so often till softened, but not soggy, about 5 mins. Splash in the Pomona and leave to cool. Tip onto a plate to cool more quickly if you like.
- Using an electric whisk or wooden spoon, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy and light. Add the eggs a little at a time, beating after each addition, then fold in the flour and almonds. Finally, fold in half of the cooled apples. Spoon the mix into the prepared tin, smooth the top and scatter with the rest of the apples, pressing down lightly into the batter.
- Bake for 1 hr, until golden and a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Check the cake after 45 mins, cover with foil if it's browning too quickly. To make the glaze, warm the jam and Pomona in a small pan until the jam melts.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle over a little more Pomona. Cool for 10 mins, then turn out of the tin and transfer to a wire rack. Brush the glaze over the apples and serve sliced, with dollops of Pomona cream. Best eaten on the day it's made, or warmed through the next.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 388 calories, Fat 22 grams fat, SaturatedFat 12 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 42 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 31 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 5 grams protein, Sodium 0.52 milligram of sodium
DORSET APPLE CAKE
Edd Kimber creates a rustic bake with chunks of sweet apple and a crunchy demerara sugar topping.
Provided by Edd Kimber
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Butter and line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment.
- Mix the flour and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub into the flour using your fingers, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the light brown sugar. Beat in the egg followed by 6-8 tbsp of milk - add it gradually until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Add the apples and sultanas and mix to combine. Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and gently level out. Sprinkle over the demerara sugar, if using, and bake for 30-40 mins or until golden and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the tin for 15 mins and then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool further. Best served still warm with a little custard.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 310 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 13 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 46 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 26 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 4 grams protein, Sodium 0.3 milligram of sodium
SOMERSET APPLE CAKE - WEST COUNTRY, ENGLAND
From The Dairy Book of British Food. "Both Somerset and Dorset lay claim to this deliciously moist cake which is equally good served with cream and eaten warm as a pudding. It is best consumed within two days of being made".
Provided by Mme M
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Grease and line a deep 7" round cake tin with greaseproof paper (waxed paper).
- Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, a little at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour, spices and baking powder and mix well. Fold in the apples and enough milk to make a soft dropping consistency.
- Turn the mixture into the prepared tin and bake at 325F for 1 1/2 hours, until well risen and firm to the touch. Turn out on a wire rack to cool.
- When the cake is cold, brush with the honey and sprinkle with the light brown sugar to decorate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.5, Fat 11.7, SaturatedFat 6.6, Cholesterol 67.3, Sodium 170.8, Carbohydrate 50.3, Fiber 6.2, Sugar 24.3, Protein 5.3
SOMERSET APPLE PUDDING CAKE
This is a recipe given to me about 30 years ago by a friend living in Somerset, England. It is extremely easy to make, but the finished cake looks very professional. The ingredients can be doubled or even trebled and the result is always good. Originally, I was given the recipe using only one egg, but the resulting cake is far too small, particularly when entertaining. Sometimes, I vary the sugar in the pastry and substitute light brown sugar flavoured with vanilla, which is available in French supermarkets. I melt the butter in my microwave in a bowl and then complete the pastry in the bowl.
Provided by Golden Bobby
Categories Dessert
Time 1h5m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt the butter.
- Add the flour and caster sugar and mix to a paste, adding the two eggs to make the mixture slacker.
- Put half the mixture in a lightly greased rectangular pan, and flatten it.
- Arrange half the sliced apples on top and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon to taste. Add the remaining apples and, again, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the remaining paste on top of the apples. Don't worry if they are not all covered - it really doesn't matter.
- Sprinkle top with demerara sugar.
- Put in oven (190°C)and bake until top is golden (about 45 minutes).
- Remove from oven and eat warm or cold with cream, custard or ice cream.
Tips for Making Somerset Apple Cake:
- Use a mixture of sharp and sweet apples for the best flavor.
- Peel and core the apples, but do not slice them too thinly.
- Add a little lemon juice to the apples to prevent them from browning.
- Use a deep baking dish to ensure the cake cooks evenly.
- Serve the cake warm with custard or cream.
Conclusion:
Somerset apple cake is an easy-to-make, delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, sweet and tangy flavor, and simple ingredients, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a great one to try. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, give Somerset apple cake a try.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love