The apple keeps this cake moist, perfect for afternoon tea or the lunchbox. Use pears or nashi as an alternative.

Ingredients

• 125 grams butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tblsp milk
• 2 cup self rising flour
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tblsp cocoa
• 1½ cup stewed apple, warmed (or use canned)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup sultanas, currants, raisins or mixed fruit
• 1 apple, quartered and finely sliced
• 1 tblsp honey

Method

1. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and milk together and beat into the cream mixture.
3. Sift the flour, mixed spice and cocoa together and gently mix into the creamed mixture with the stewed apple, walnuts and dried fruit if using.
4. Turn into a greased and base-line 22cm round cake tin.
5. Arrange the apple slices on top. Brush with honey.
6. Bake at 190°C for 45-50 minutes. Stand in the tin for 5 minutes before turning out to cool.

Cooks Tips

- The cake mixture can also be baked in individual cake tins or disposable paper moulds, which are available from good cook shops.