Cardamom and pistachio subtly infuse this apple sponge. One of many secrets and techniques of an apple cake with numerous items of fruit is to fry the fruit first, which seals within the juices and stops them from seeping into the crumb.
MAKES 1 small loaf
5 tbsp additional virgin olive oil, plus additional for greasing the tin
2 consuming apples, eg granny smith, peeled, quartered, cored and diced
2 medium eggs
125g gentle brown smooth sugar
finely grated zest of 1 lemon
6 cardamom pods, break up open and seeds floor
125g wholemeal spelt flour
1 heaped tsp baking powder, sifted
50g pistachios (25g floor, 25g chopped), plus additional chopped to embellish
50g peach or apricot jam
greek yogurt or crème fraîche, to serve
- Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gasoline 4. Brush a 1lb nonstick loaf tin with oil and line the bottom with baking paper.
- Warmth 1 tbsp oil in a medium nonstick frying pan over a mild warmth and fry the diced apple for 4-5 minutes till translucent however not colored, stirring ceaselessly. Switch to a bowl or plate and put aside.
- Utilizing an electrical whisk, beat collectively the eggs, sugar, lemon zest and cardamom in a big bowl for two minutes, till pale, thick and doubled in quantity. Stir within the remaining oil, then fold within the flour, baking powder and floor pistachios.
- Fold the apple and chopped pistachios into the cake combination, and switch this to the tin. Bake for 45-50 minutes or till risen and agency, and a skewer inserted on the centre comes out clear.
- Run a knife across the fringe of the cake, go away to face for 10 minutes then end up on to a wire rack to chill, standing it the suitable means up.
- Gently warmth the jam in a small saucepan till it loosens, then press it by a sieve and brush it excessive of the cake. Scatter over a couple of finely chopped pistachios and go away to set in a cool place for about half-hour. The cake will hold properly in a single day, loosely coated. It’s particularly good served with a dollop of greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
TIPS FOR THE TIN
Loaf tins are largely offered in 1lb or 2lb sizes – in case you have one in every of every it ought to cowl you. The perfect recommendation for bake is to keep away from filling the tin by greater than about two thirds to offer the cake loads of area to rise.