Name: Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 250 g self-raising flour; 2 teaspoon baking powder; 2 teaspoon cinnamon; 150 g unsalted butter, softened; 150 g light brown sugar; 100 ml milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 500 g cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored and thinly sliced; Juice of ½ lemon; 2 tablespoon demerara sugar; Icing sugar to serve

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you're on the lookout for an irresistibly moist and warmly spiced treat, the Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe is an absolute treasure. This humble British classic showcases the natural sweetness and tang of cooking apples like Bramley, hugged by a delicate cinnamon-infused batter that comes together easily for a slice of cake that feels like a warm hug. Whether you enjoy it fresh with your afternoon tea or slightly warmed with a dollop of cream or ice cream for dessert, this traybake manages to capture the heart of homely baking in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

This image shows an arrangement of baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. At the back, there are two jars filled with white self-raising flour on the left and light brown sugar on the right. In front of these jars, from left to right, there is a small clear milk bottle, a white bowl filled with pale yellow butter cubes, a small orange-lid jar of ground cinnamon, and a white cylindrical container of baking powder. In the front row, there are two brown eggs on the left and three green apples with some light brown spots, along with one yellow lemon on the right side of the eggs. The colors range from the creamy yellows of butter and eggs to the green of the apples, all set against the soft white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is essential with this recipe, but don’t be daunted—they’re wonderfully simple and each one plays a key role in delivering the cake’s gorgeous texture, flavor, and color. Using fresh cooking apples and a hint of cinnamon makes all the difference in this Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe.

250 g self-raising flour: Provides the perfect lift and tender crumb to the cake.

2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully without becoming dense.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the apples perfectly.
150 g unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-the-mouth texture.

150 g light brown sugar: Gives depth and subtle caramel notes for a lovely background sweetness.
100 ml milk: Lightens the batter and keeps it moist while baking.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Bind everything together and add tenderness.

500 g cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: The star ingredient offering tartness and juicy bursts in each bite.
Juice of ½ lemon: Stops the apples browning and adds a fresh zing.
2 tablespoons demerara sugar: Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and caramelized finish.

Icing sugar to serve: Just a light dusting creates an inviting presentation.

How to Make Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 180C (350F, Gas Mark 4). Grease a small rectangular cake tin generously and line the bottom with baking paper to make sure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. For an even lighter texture, you can sift these ingredients before mixing.

Step 3: Rub in the Butter

Add the softened butter to your dry mixture. Using your fingers or a food processor, rub the butter into the flour until it looks like moist, wet sand. This step is key to a lovely crumbly texture.

Step 4: Add Sugar

Stir in the light brown sugar gently, distributing it evenly without overmixing, setting this flavorful base aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, placing them in a bowl. Drizzle with the juice of half a lemon to keep them fresh and prevent browning while you finish the batter.

Step 6: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Beat the eggs lightly and add them to the flour mixture, stirring gently. Gradually pour in the milk bit by bit, blending until you have a thick, smooth batter that’s ready for those lovely apple slices.

Step 7: Fold in the Apples

Reserve a few apple slices for the topping, then carefully fold the bulk of the apples into the batter, just enough to combine without breaking up the fruit.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Arrange the reserved apple slices over the top in any pattern—you can go simple or decorative, whichever feels right. Finally, sprinkle the demerara sugar generously for that irresistible crunch.

Step 9: Bake until Gorgeous

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, until the cake is golden brown on top and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This step ensures your Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe has that perfect moist interior and caramelized exterior.

How to Serve Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe

A rectangular baking pan holds a golden brown apple cake with a slightly uneven surface showing soft, baked apple slices embedded in the top layer. The cake has a light, slightly crispy crust with a mix of light tan and golden tones, and apple slices showing some caramelized edges. Around the pan, two whole green apples with smooth skin, two cinnamon sticks, and a small white ramekin filled with brown sugar sit on a white marbled surface, giving a fresh and cozy feel. The pan is placed on a sheet of parchment paper, and the whole scene is lit naturally. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of icing sugar on top adds a pretty finish and just a touch of extra sweetness. For a truly indulgent experience, serve with a spoonful of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a strong cup of tea, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling, enhances the cozy vibes. For dessert, fresh berries or a simple crème anglaise make lovely companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe in rustic slices straight from the tray for a casual afternoon treat. Alternatively, cut into neat squares and stack on a platter for a stylish party offering. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of apple on each piece makes for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors tend to deepen, so leftovers are just as delightful as fresh slices.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe by wrapping it tightly in cling film and foil. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop into a moderate oven for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake's softness and brings out the apple’s comforting aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Bramley apples are traditional for their tartness, Granny Smith or any firm cooking apple works well. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness slightly depending on the apple’s natural sugar content.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour for a good quality gluten-free flour blend that includes a raising agent. The texture may be a little different, but the flavor remains delicious.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and raisins or sultanas offer bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with the cinnamon and apple.

What if I don’t have demerara sugar?

You can use light brown sugar instead for the topping. It won’t have quite the same crunchy texture, but it adds similar caramel notes and sweetness.

How long can I keep this cake in the fridge?

The Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Isn’t it wonderful to find a cake recipe that’s both simple and bursting with flavor? The Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe truly shines as a heartwarming treat, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with your favorite cuppa. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a much-loved staple in your baking repertoire!

Dorset Apple Cake (Traybake) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need