🍏 Looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that’s gluten-free without compromising taste? Dive into the charm of Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake—a delightful twist on a traditional British favorite. Bursting with juicy apple cake apples and a blend of warming spices, this cake brings an aromatic richness that’s perfect for gatherings or an indulgent moment with a warm drink. Imagine the soft, crumbly texture infused with cinnamon and a hint of mixed spices, crowned by the crispness of demerara sugar. It’s like a hug in every bite! 🌿
Beyond its taste, the gluten free apple dump cake also happens to be simple to make, with only a few staple ingredients. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a gem, delivering the nostalgic essence of the countryside with every slice. Plus, this French apple cake inspired treat pairs wonderfully with custard, ice cream, or a simple cuppa, making it versatile for every occasion. So, let’s get baking and savor this timeless classic with a delicious gluten-free twist! 🍰
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🍏 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍰 Cook Time: 50 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients of Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 🍏
- 🍏 1 large Bramley, Granny Smith, or Windfall apple (approx 500g)
- 🧈 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 150g light brown sugar
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🌾 200g gluten-free self-raising flour
- 🥄 1 tsp baking powder
- 🥄 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 🍂 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 🍂 1/2 tsp mixed spice
- 🍬 2 tbsp demerara sugar
Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 🍏
This gluten-free Dorset apple cake captures the rustic beauty of traditional English apple cakes. By using gluten-free self-raising flour, it delivers a soft, moist crumb without any gluten, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions. This cake offers a balanced sweetness, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and mixed spice, which enrich the flavor of the apple cake apples. Every slice is filled with tender apple chunks and a delightful crunch of demerara sugar on top. 🍏 Serve it warm with custard or enjoy it cold for a satisfying bite.
Directions for Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 🍏
Step 1: Pre-heat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C if using a fan oven), Gas Mark 4. Grease an 8-inch (20cm) round baking tin to prevent sticking, and line it with baking paper for easy removal. This setup will help your cake bake evenly, ensuring a soft interior and lightly crisp exterior. Preparing the tin in advance makes the rest of the process smooth, so set it aside once ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple
Peel and core the apple, then chop it into 2cm chunks. This step ensures the apple pieces are the right size to soften while baking, giving each slice of cake a burst of apple flavor. The even chunks also allow the apples to distribute evenly through the batter, adding moisture and texture to the cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Together
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and light brown sugar. Using an electric whisk, cream the two together for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping the cake achieve a tender texture. The sugar and butter should appear pale and well-combined once done.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Beat Until Combined
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat again for about 30 seconds until the eggs are fully incorporated. This helps bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth and cohesive batter. Ensuring the eggs are well-mixed at this stage contributes to the cake’s fluffy texture.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix with Batter
In a separate bowl, mix the gluten-free self-raising flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense. The dry ingredients add structure and a warm spice flavor to the cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Apple Chunks
Add the prepared apple chunks to the batter, folding them in gently so they are evenly distributed. The apples will add moisture and a lovely, tender texture to the cake. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing, which could impact the cake’s lightness. Even distribution of apple chunks gives every bite a delicious pop of apple flavor.
- Prompt for Image: Apple chunks being folded into the batter with a wooden spatula, in a mixing bowl.
- Alt Text: Apple chunks folded into batter for gluten-free Dorset apple cake.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Tin and Add Sugar Topping
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle demerara sugar on top for a deliciously crisp finish. This sugar topping will caramelize as it bakes, adding a slight crunch that contrasts with the cake’s soft interior. Smooth the surface and prepare to bake!
Step 8: Bake and Cool the Cake
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the tin. Cooling helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with custard, ice cream, or clotted cream, or enjoy a slice cold with a cup of tea. Each slice of this gluten-free Dorset apple cake is packed with tender apple chunks and a delicious blend of spices, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Nutrition Facts of Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 🍏
- 🍎 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 241
- 🧈 Total Fat: 12g
- 🍰 Saturated Fat: 7g
- 🍏 Trans Fat: 0g
- 🍎 Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- 🧈 Cholesterol: 73mg
- 🧂 Sodium: 262mg
- 🍏 Carbohydrates: 32g
- 🍏 Fiber: 2g
- 🍬 Sugar: 18g
- 🥚 Protein: 3g
Helpful Tips to Make the Perfect Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 🍰
Achieving the ideal gluten-free Dorset apple cake can be a breeze with a few expert tips. Always use apples with a slight tartness, like Granny Smith or Bramley, to balance the sweetness of the cake. Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps in achieving a smooth, creamy batter when mixed with sugar. Additionally, be gentle while mixing the flour to avoid overworking the batter—this ensures a soft, tender crumb. Don’t skip the xanthan gum; it acts as a binder and gives the cake a cohesive structure. 🍏 Sprinkle demerara sugar on top for an extra crispy crust, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite!
Discover the Secrets to Make a Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake
Discover how to create a moist, aromatic, and gluten-free Dorset apple cake that rivals any classic dessert. Dive into these expert tips and tricks, and enjoy every bite of this French apple cake inspired delight.
1. Choosing the Right Apples 🍏
The apple you choose can make or break the cake. For the best results, go with a slightly tart variety like Bramley, Granny Smith, or another baking apple. Their natural acidity perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness, providing depth of flavor. Be sure to chop the apples into uniform chunks so they cook evenly, adding a delightful, juicy bite to each slice.
2. Mastering the Perfect Crumb to make a delicious Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 🍰
Creating a tender, moist crumb in gluten-free baking can be tricky. The secret? Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make gluten-free cakes dense and heavy, so stir only until the ingredients are combined. Also, use softened butter, which blends smoothly with sugar and contributes to that soft, light texture everyone loves in an apple cake.
3. Enhancing Flavor with Spices 🍂
Spices elevate this cake from good to unforgettable. Ground cinnamon and mixed spice add warmth and depth, creating a cozy, aromatic dessert. For an extra touch, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice. These spices complement the sweetness of the apples, making each bite a flavor-packed experience that pairs beautifully with a warm drink.
4. The Importance of Xanthan Gum 🌾
Xanthan gum is a must-have for gluten-free baking. It mimics gluten’s elasticity and gives the cake a soft, chewy texture that holds together well. Without it, the cake could crumble and lack structure. Even just a quarter teaspoon can make a noticeable difference, helping create a cake that’s both fluffy and cohesive.
5. Achieving a Crispy Topping with Demerara Sugar 🍬
Demerara sugar sprinkled on top isn’t just for decoration—it creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the cake’s soft texture. As it bakes, this coarse sugar caramelizes slightly, adding a golden-brown layer of sweetness and texture that enhances every slice. It’s the perfect finishing touch for a rustic, bakery-style look and taste.
6. Using the Right Baking Pan to help you make a good Gluten-Free Dorset Apple Cake 📏
The baking pan size plays an essential role in the cake’s final appearance and texture. An 8-inch round pan is ideal because it gives the cake a nice height, helping it bake evenly without drying out. Greasing and lining the pan with parchment paper will make it easy to release the cake and keep its shape intact.
7. Cooling the Cake Properly 🧊
Cooling may seem like a small detail, but it’s key to a well-textured cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents it from crumbling. Plus, cooling enhances the flavor, allowing the spices and apple juices to meld beautifully.
8. Serving Suggestions 🍦
This cake is versatile in how it can be enjoyed. Serve it warm with custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience, or enjoy it cold with a cup of tea or coffee. The spiced apple flavors make it ideal for pairing with warm, creamy accompaniments or simply on its own as a snack or light dessert.
9. Storing Your Cake 🍰
Keep your gluten-free Dorset apple cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. You can also freeze individual slices, making it easy to enjoy a piece of cake whenever you like without any fuss.
10. Conclusion 🎉
Making a gluten-free Dorset apple cake isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about creating a delicious experience that’s rich with tradition and flavor. This cake combines the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of spices, and a perfectly moist texture, bringing a little taste of Dorset right to your kitchen. Perfect for autumn days or anytime you crave a cozy, homemade treat.
For more homemade cracker recipes, check out our Gluten-Free Irish Soda Bread !
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