Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake​ Recipe

The Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake Recipe is simple, warm, and full of comforting flavors. Soft apples and sweet sultanas create a moist cake everyone loves.

This classic bake feels perfect for family tea time or a cozy weekend treat. Many home bakers enjoy this Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake Recipe because it uses basic ingredients and easy steps.

If you want to learn how to make Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake, this friendly guide will help you bake it perfectly at home.

My Secret to the Perfect Apple and Sultana Cake

Every great cake has a little secret. Mine is using fresh apples and soaking the sultanas briefly.

Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and moisture. They also give the cake a soft texture. I prefer firm apples because they hold their shape while baking.

Soaking the sultanas in warm water for ten minutes helps them stay juicy. This small step makes a big difference.

Another trick is not overmixing the batter. Gentle mixing keeps the cake light and soft.

Finally, bake the cake slowly at a steady temperature. This helps the apples soften while the cake rises beautifully.

These little tips make the Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake Recipe extra delicious.

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
• Peeler and knife
• Cutting board
• 8-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake
• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Course: Dessert / Tea Cake
• Cuisine: British
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake

Here are the simple ingredients for Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake.

• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 150 g butter (softened)
• 150 g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples (peeled and diced)
• 100 g sultanas
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)

These basic ingredients create a soft and flavorful cake.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Cake Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the cake pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides with butter. This prevents the cake from sticking. Proper pan preparation also helps the cake bake evenly and release easily after baking.

2. Prepare the Apples and Sultanas

Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. Place the sultanas in warm water for ten minutes. Drain them well before using. This step keeps the fruit soft and juicy inside the cake.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

Place softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter. The cake becomes soft and tender because of this simple mixing process.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Pour in the vanilla extract and stir again. The batter should look smooth and creamy. This helps create a rich and balanced cake flavor.

5. Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them gently with a spoon. Mixing dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the cake batter.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture slowly to the butter mixture. Pour in the milk while mixing. Stir gently until everything is combined. Do not overmix the batter. Gentle mixing keeps the cake soft.

7. Fold in Apples and Sultanas

Add the diced apples and drained sultanas to the batter. Fold them in using a spatula. Make sure the fruit spreads evenly. This ensures every slice has sweet fruit inside.

8. Transfer to Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread the top evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle brown sugar lightly over the top. This creates a slightly crisp and caramel-like surface after baking.

9. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.

10. Cool Before Serving

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then move it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. This keeps the cake structure perfect.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for better flavor.
• Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
• Replace sultanas with raisins if needed.
• Add a little nutmeg for a warmer spice flavor.
• Serve with whipped cream or custard for dessert.

A Little Backstory on This Recipe

I first tried this cake during a quiet Sunday afternoon. The weather was cool and perfect for baking.

I had extra apples sitting on the counter. Instead of making pie, I tried this simple cake.

When the cake came out of the oven, the smell filled the whole kitchen. It reminded me of cozy tea times and family gatherings.

Since then, this Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake Recipe became a favorite in my home.

It is easy, comforting, and always loved by guests.

Best Recipes to Enjoy Alongside Apple and Sultana Cake

This cake pairs well with many simple treats.

Try serving it with:

• Vanilla custard
• Fresh whipped cream
• A cup of hot tea
• Homemade caramel sauce
• Warm apple cider

These pairings make the cake taste even better.

Occasion or Event Ideas

This cake works perfectly for many occasions.

• Afternoon tea with friends
• Weekend family dessert
• Holiday gatherings
• Birthday tea parties
• Cozy winter evenings

Because it is simple and comforting, it fits almost any event.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• Keep it at room temperature for two days.
• Refrigerate for up to five days.
• Warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds.
• Freeze wrapped slices for up to two months.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	45 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	14 g
Sugar	25 g
Fiber	2 g

FAQs about Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake

Can I use different apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use many apple varieties. Sweet apples create a softer flavor. Tart apples add a nice contrast to the sweet sultanas. Firm apples work best because they keep their shape during baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake stores very well. You can bake it one day before serving. Keep it covered at room temperature. The flavors often become even better the next day.

Can I replace sultanas with another fruit?

Yes, raisins or dried cranberries work nicely. Some bakers even add chopped dates. Each fruit brings a slightly different sweetness and texture to the cake.

Why is my cake too dense?

Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix only until the ingredients combine. Also check that your baking powder is fresh.

Can I freeze Apple and Sultana Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake Recipe is a wonderful homemade treat. It is simple, soft, and full of warm flavors.

Fresh apples and sweet sultanas create a comforting cake everyone enjoys. Once you learn how to make Mary Berry Apple and Sultana Cake, it may become a favorite in your kitchen too. Bake it once, and you will want to make it again and again.