I used a buttered springform pan, placing a piece of parchment paper on the bottom. I then layered some of the batter over the paper, and placed apples over the batter in a neat pattern. Repeat with the batter (don’t worry if you don’t get complete coverage), then more apples. When you’re finished with that layer, scatter the almonds and sugar topping all over, then bake. (I overbaked it by five minutes and the bottom layer was too browned.) Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar when cooled. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee (and some vanilla sauce or ice cream wouldn’t hurt either).
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- For the apples:
- 3 medium granny smith apples (or whatever kind you like)
- 1 tbsp caster sugar (for you Americans, use superfine granulated sugar)
- pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tsp rum
- For the cake batter:
- 1 + ½ sticks (150g) butter
- ½ cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine granulated sugar to you Americans)
- 2 eggs
- 1¼ cups (185g) plain flour
- ¾ cups (85g) almond meal
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp rum
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- ¼ cup milk
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds, mixed with sugar and cinnamon
- Preheat the oven to 375F/180C and grease a 9 inch/22cm springform cake tin.
- Peel and core the apples, then quarter them and slice them into thickish pieces.
- Toss the pieces with the sugar, cinnamon and rum and set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Cream together the butter and sugar, until they are light and fluffy, then add the eggs and beat them in well.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and slowly mix or fold until everything is well combined. The batter will be very thick.
- Scrape 2 thirds of the batter into the greased cake tin, and spread it evenly over the base (it will seem like there’s not enough, but there is).
- Scatter most of the apples evenly over the cake mix, leaving enough slices for a second layer.
- Then dollop over the remaining batter and spread carefully over the apples.
- Add the rest of the apples, arranging the slices in a concentric circle.
- Scatter over the chopped almonds and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out without any raw batter clinging to it.
- Leave to cool for at least 10 minutes in the tin, before carefully unmolding it and scattering over a little sugar to decorate. This is best served warm.