As I am writing and look out of my windows I shiver. At the moment we are having a cold spell to say the least. I do love the snow, but two weeks earlier would have been a little better. So cold weather equals cake making. Having homemade treats with in an easy reach is an essential. Whether its a biscuit, cake or a savoury offering tucked away in the back of the fridge. Even though I am making a concerted effort to cut down on treats I couldn’t resist making this apple cake. I had some small apples looking a little worse for wear in my fruit bowl so they needed using up pronto.

I tend to always use eating apples in cakes, they just add delicious flavour and texture. I fancied a spiced apple cake, so threw this one together, it may sound a little random but incredibly delicious hot or cold. The great benefit of using apples in a cake is that it keeps it delicious and moist, the perfect mid afternoon cake to go along side a tea or coffee.

4 apples, whatever is in your fruit basket, peeled and chopped
230g butter
200g golden caster sugar
3 large eggs
100g plain flour
200g self raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp vanilla
Preheat the oven to 170C. Pop a loaf liner into the loaf tin, or butter and line it.
This is a bit of a bung it in cake.
1. Peel and chop the apple, a little chunky the better to add texture and set aside.
2. Cream the butter and sugar.
3. Add in the eggs,  flour and mix.
4. Add the spice and vanilla to the bowl and mix.
5. Pour the apple into the batter and using a spatula mix well. 
Tumble into your loaf tin , flatten down and sprinkle over a generous amount of golden caster sugar. 
Pop into the oven for 50-60 minutes.
Carmela x