Toffee Apple Cake Recipe: A Family Classic with a Delicious Toffee Topping
Serves: 1 Pie | Total Time: 55 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes
This Toffee Apple Cake recipe, a beloved family tradition, was originally passed down from a radio show in the late 1960s and has been a hit ever since. The secret to its irresistible charm lies in the rich toffee topping, made with thick syrup (Lyall’s syrup from the UK is the preferred choice). The longer you allow the syrup to boil, the deeper and more robust the flavor becomes, ensuring a delightful, sticky layer of sweetness. This cake is perfect for serving warm or cold, alongside custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Let’s dive into the details of how to recreate this classic dessert for your own family to enjoy!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Self-raising flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Pie apples (peeled and sliced) | 900 g |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for the cake) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for toffee topping) | 4 tbsp |
| Thick syrup (preferably Lyall’s) | 4 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1164.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 63.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 38.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 266.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1613.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 143.3 g |
| Fiber | 7.5 g |
| Sugar | 80.2 g |
| Protein | 12.5 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly butter or spray a 9-inch pie dish to prepare for the cake mixture. -
Prepare the Cake Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Once well combined, add in the eggs and milk, beating until the mixture becomes smooth. Gradually add the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. The result should be a thick, smooth batter. -
Layer the Cake Mixture
Spoon half of the cake mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly to form the first layer. Gently smooth it out to the edges to create a firm base for the apples. -
Add the Pie Apples
Layer the sliced pie apples over the cake mixture, arranging them in a uniform pattern. Make sure the apples cover the entire surface, as they will provide a moist, fruity element that contrasts beautifully with the toffee topping. -
Season and Add the Second Layer
Sprinkle ground cinnamon and raisins over the apples for an extra boost of flavor. Next, spoon the remaining half of the cake mixture on top, spreading it evenly over the apples and raisins. -
Bake the Cake
Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Prepare the Toffee Topping
While the cake is baking, it’s time to prepare the toffee topping. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and thick syrup (such as Lyall’s) over medium heat. Stir frequently as it heats, and allow it to come to a gentle boil. Continue boiling for about 5-7 minutes, or until the syrup thickens and turns a rich toffee color. The longer you boil, the more intense and delicious the flavor will become. -
Finish the Cake
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the hot toffee syrup over the warm cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Allow the syrup to seep into the cake, creating a luscious, sticky layer of sweetness. -
Serve and Enjoy
This Toffee Apple Cake can be served either hot or cold. For an extra indulgence, pair it with custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. The toffee topping will remain thick and delicious, making each bite a sweet and comforting experience.
Tips for the Best Toffee Apple Cake:
-
Use Firm Apples: For this recipe, choose a variety of firm, tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Bramley, to create a satisfying texture that balances the sweetness of the toffee topping.
-
Don’t Skimp on the Syrup: A thicker syrup creates a richer toffee topping. If you can find it, using Lyall’s thick syrup from the UK will give you the best results, but any high-quality syrup will work.
-
Add More Spice: If you love a warm, spiced flavor, feel free to add a little extra cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg to the cake batter.
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Make Ahead: This cake keeps well for a day or two at room temperature. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, and the toffee topping will remain sticky and delicious.
Enjoy your delicious Toffee Apple Cake, a timeless family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion, whether served warm for a comforting dessert or cold as a sweet snack!
