If you’re familiar with Nigella Lawson, you’ll know that she’s a genius when it comes to creating indulgent yet approachable recipes that feel like a warm hug. Her Apple and Almond Cake is a perfect example of that. This cake is the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re sitting by the fire in a cozy cottage, even if you’re just at your kitchen table. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet, nutty and fruity, with the apples adding a gentle tartness that keeps the cake from being overly rich. The almonds provide a delightful, slightly marzipan-esque texture while the moist crumb ensures every bite is satisfying.
What I love most about this cake is that it manages to be elegant without being fussy. There’s no need for elaborate frosting or intricate decoration. just pure, simple goodness. It’s a cake that’s as at home for a casual afternoon tea as it is on a special occasion table. It’s also incredibly versatile: whether served warm with a dollop of cream or enjoyed the next day as a comforting snack with a cup of tea, it always seems to hit the right note. It’s that perfect dessert you can make when you want to impress but also something you’d happily whip up for yourself on a quiet afternoon.
Nigella Apple And Almond Cake Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients. One of the reasons this cake feels so comforting is because you probably have most of these ingredients hanging around in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples – You’ll need about 2 large ones, ideally something firm, like Bramley or Granny Smith. These apples give a tart edge to the cake that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the almonds.
- Ground almonds – This is a key player. The ground almonds not only add flavor but also help keep the cake moist. If you can get your hands on some good-quality ground almonds, you’ll notice a subtle richness and depth to the cake that you won’t get from just plain flour.
- Flour – You need a combination of plain (all-purpose) flour and ground almonds. The flour helps give the cake its structure while the almonds provide softness and moisture.
- Butter – It’s Nigella, so of course, we’re using butter here! The butter adds that richness that makes every bite feel like a little indulgence.
- Sugar – A mix of caster sugar for sweetness and a little bit of light brown sugar for depth. The brown sugar gives the cake a subtle caramel note that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
- Eggs – The binding element of the cake, eggs provide structure and lift. They also help to keep everything together, resulting in that dense, slightly springy texture.
- Baking powder – Just a little to help the cake rise to a perfect height.
- Lemon zest – A burst of lemon zest brings freshness to the cake and it also complements the apples which are naturally a bit tart.
- Vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla never hurts, right? It adds an aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
- Salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
- Almonds (for topping) – A handful of sliced almonds sprinkled on top adds a crunchy contrast to the soft cake beneath.
When you gather all these ingredients, you might think to yourself, ’That’s it?!’ Yes! That’s the beauty of Nigella’s recipes. they’re simple but always manage to create something memorable. It’s one of those cakes that you can make at a moment’s notice, without needing to hunt down any hard-to-find ingredients.
Equipment Needed
When it comes to equipment, this cake doesn’t require anything too fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin. You can go for a regular round tin or one with a loose bottom to make the cake easier to remove. Either way, make sure to line it with parchment paper for a smooth release.
- A mixing bowl – I always go for a medium-sized bowl for cakes like this. It’s big enough to handle the ingredients but doesn’t make the mixing process feel like you’re working on a huge scale.
- Electric mixer or whisk. You could whisk by hand but if you’re feeling lazy (or just want to get it done quickly), an electric hand mixer will do wonders. It’s easy to incorporate everything in just a few minutes.
- A spatula – I love using a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together. It’s gentle on the cake batter and ensures everything is mixed evenly without overworking the batter.
- Grater/zester – For the lemon zest. It’s one of those tiny details that elevates the cake, so make sure to get a good zest from the lemon.
Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Apple And Almond Cake
Making Nigella’s Apple and Almond Cake is as easy as pie. Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat your oven – Set it to 180°C (350°F) and line your cake tin with parchment paper. It’s always best to get the oven going early so it’s ready to bake as soon as your cake is mixed.
- Prepare the apples – Peel, core and chop your apples into small chunks. You want them to be roughly the same size so they bake evenly. Set them aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, flour, baking powder and salt. Give it a little whisk to ensure everything’s evenly distributed.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, caster sugar and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important for getting the right texture, so don’t skip it.
- Add the eggs – Beat the eggs in one at a time. Don’t rush this part as the eggs help build structure in the cake. Once they’re incorporated, add the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Fold in the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding it together with a spatula until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix or the cake will be too dense.
- Fold in the apples. Add the chopped apples and gently fold them into the batter. You want them to be evenly distributed but don’t go overboard or they’ll break up too much.
- Pour into the tin. Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top for a little extra crunch.
- Bake – Pop the cake in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a skewer comes out clean from the center.
- Cool and serve – Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve it plain or with a dollop of cream or maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling decadent.
What I Learnt
What I learned from making Nigella’s Apple and Almond Cake is that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be rewarding. The cake comes together so effortlessly, yet it tastes like something that took a lot of time and thought. The balance of the tart apples and the almond flavor is perfection and the simplicity of the recipe is incredibly satisfying. It reminded me that, sometimes, less is more. The ingredients shine through so beautifully without needing to be masked by frosting or too many add-ins.
I also realized how important it is to pay attention to the little details, like the zest of the lemon or the folding technique for the apples. These seemingly small touches are what make the cake truly special. And lastly, I learned that this cake is the kind of dessert that’s perfect for every occasion. It can be elegant for a dinner party or comforting for a quiet afternoon.
FAQs
Can I Substitute The Almonds In Nigella’s Apple And Almond Cake?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of almonds or just don’t have them on hand, you can try substituting ground hazelnuts, walnuts, or even oat flour for a different texture. Just keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Nigella’s Apple And Almond Cake To Keep It Fresh?
This cake actually keeps surprisingly well! You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, try wrapping it tightly in cling film and freezing it for up to a month-just let it defrost at room temperature.
What’s The Best Way To Serve Nigella’s Apple And Almond Cake?
Oh, this cake is so versatile! You can serve it on its own with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple treat. If you want to take it up a notch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it extra indulgent. Some even like it with a drizzle of caramel sauce!
