Recipes, re-invented from cooking shows
Bonfire Night Spiced Apple Cake
Prep. Time:
Baking Time:
Total Time:
1 hour
45 minutes
1 hour 45 minutes
Serves:
9-inch cake (10-12 servings)
Enhanced version of Steven's heartwarming Bonfire Night Spiced Apple Cake inspired by childhood memories with his mum. Features Paul Hollywood's praised 'gorgeous warming spices' and perfectly textured apples that remain 'slightly soft' throughout the tender, moist crumb. The rich toffee glaze provides luxurious finish while the enhanced spice blend creates the autumn warmth that made Paul call it a 'little sum up of autumn.' Celebrates family baking traditions and seasonal flavors with professional technique and presentation.
Ingredients
FOR THE ENHANCED SPICED APPLE CAKE:
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (for complexity)
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon apple extract (optional, for enhanced apple flavor)
3/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
1/4 cup apple cider
4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons flour for coating apples
FOR THE RICH TOFFEE GLAZE:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY:
1/2 cup apricot jam
2 tablespoons brandy or apple cider
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chopped toasted walnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
MAKE THE ENHANCED SPICED APPLE CAKE:
1. Prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 9-inch springform pan thoroughly, line bottom with parchment.
2. Combine spices: In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and all spices until well combined.
3. Cream thoroughly: Beat butter with both sugars using electric mixer until very light and fluffy, about 6 minutes. Scrape bowl frequently.
4. Add eggs gradually: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and apple extract.
5. Prepare apples: Toss diced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour mixture to prevent sinking.
6. Combine liquids: Mix milk and apple cider in measuring cup.
7. Alternate additions: Add flour mixture in three additions alternating with milk mixture in two additions, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
8. Fold in fruit: Gently fold in floured apple pieces until evenly distributed throughout batter.
BAKE THE PERFECT CAKE:
9. Fill and level: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly and gently tapping to release air bubbles.
10. Bake precisely: Bake 45-50 minutes until golden brown, springs back when lightly touched, and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
11. Cool properly: Cool in pan 15 minutes, then run knife around edges and turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
CREATE THE RICH TOFFEE GLAZE:
12. Make toffee base: In heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir once to combine, then do not stir again.
13. Cook to perfection: Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until mixture reaches deep amber color, about 12-15 minutes.
14. Finish glaze: Remove from heat immediately. Wait for bubbling to subside, then carefully whisk in cream, butter, salt, and vanilla. Mixture will bubble vigorously.
15. Cool to consistency: Let toffee cool until thick enough to coat cake but still pourable, about 10 minutes.
PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESENTATION:
16. Prepare base glaze: Gently warm apricot jam with brandy and lemon juice until smooth. Strain to remove lumps.
17. Glaze cake: Brush warm apricot glaze evenly over cooled cake for moisture seal and professional shine.
18. Apply toffee: Pour warm toffee glaze over cake, allowing it to drip down sides naturally for rustic autumn appearance.
19. Optional garnish: Sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts while toffee is still warm for texture contrast.
20. Temperature: Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture balance.
21. Clean cutting: Use sharp, clean knife, wiping blade between cuts to maintain clean slices.
