Divine Dorset Apple Traybake: 11 Easy Steps

Oh, the smell of a freshly baked Dorset Apple Traybake wafting through the house! It just takes me right back. This Dorset Apple Traybake, inspired by the wonderful Mary Berry’s classic style, is pure comfort in cake form. I remember the first time I made it, on a drizzly Saturday afternoon, and my kitchen instantly felt warmer and cosier. It’s so wonderfully simple to whip up, yet tastes utterly divine with those soft, buttery sponge layers and tender cinnamon apple slices. Honestly, this recipe is a little slice of home, and it’s become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Dorset Apple Traybake

There are so many reasons to adore this Dorset Apple Traybake! It really is a crowd-pleaser.

• It’s unbelievably easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
• The flavour is just divine – that buttery sponge with tender, spiced apples.
• Perfect for any occasion, from a casual cuppa to a full afternoon tea.
• It brings that wonderful, comforting feeling of home baking.

Ingredients for Your Dorset Apple Traybake

Getting the ingredients right is key for that classic Dorset Apple Traybake flavour. I always find Bramley apples are best for baking as they break down beautifully, but feel free to mix it up if you prefer! And make sure your butter is nicely softened – it makes all the difference for a lovely, smooth batter.

• 225 g unsalted butter, softened
• 550 g Bramley apples
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 225 g light muscovado sugar
• 300 g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp full-fat milk
• 2 tbsp icing sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Dorset Apple Traybake

Right then, let’s get this glorious Dorset Apple Traybake into the oven! It really is a doddle, and the process itself is quite satisfying as you build up those layers of flavour. Just follow along, and you’ll have a masterpiece in no time.

Step 1: First things first, get your oven preheated to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Then, take your traybake tin – mine’s a 30 cm x 23 cm one – give it a good grease and line it with baking paper. This stops anything sticking, which is always a bonus!

Step 2: Now for the apples. Peel, core, and slice them up nice and thin. Pop them into a big bowl and give them a good toss with the tablespoon of lemon juice. This stops them from turning brown and adds a lovely little zing. It’s a bit like the prep for my easy lemon traybake, just with fruitier flavours!

Step 3: Into your mixing bowl go the softened butter, light muscovado sugar, self-raising flour, baking powder, half of that lovely ground cinnamon, your four eggs, and the milk. Don’t forget, this is for your Dorset Apple Traybake inspired by Mary Berry!

Step 4: Get your electric mixer on, or a sturdy whisk, and beat that batter for a good 2 minutes until it’s looking all smooth and creamy. You want it to be lovely and lump-free.

Step 5: Spread half of your glorious batter into the base of your prepared tin. Make sure it’s an even layer – no one likes a lopsided cake!

Step 6: Carefully arrange about half of those apple slices over the batter. Then, sprinkle them with the rest of the ground cinnamon. Oh, the smell already!

Step 7: Spoon the remaining batter over the apples. Gently spread it out with your spatula or the back of a spoon, making sure you cover all that lovely fruit. It’s starting to look like a proper Dorset Apple Traybake now!

Step 8: Finally, arrange the rest of your apple slices on top. Just press them in ever so lightly so they nestle into the batter. It makes for such a pretty finish.

Step 9: Pop it into your preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown all over. To be absolutely sure, pop a skewer right into the centre – if it comes out clean, you’re golden!

Step 10: Once it’s baked, leave the traybake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit before you move it. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Just before you’re ready to serve, give it a lovely dusting of icing sugar. It looks so professional and adds that final touch to your delicious Dorset Apple Traybake.

Serving Suggestions for Your Dorset Apple Traybake

Now, this Dorset Apple Traybake is utterly delightful on its own, but sometimes you just want that little something extra, don’t you? Here are a few of my favourite ways to serve it up.

A Dollop of Cream: A spoonful of lightly whipped double cream or a blob of clotted cream is just heavenly with the warm sponge and apples.

Custard: Honestly, is there anything more comforting than warm custard poured over a slice of apple cake? It’s a classic for a reason!

Vanilla Ice Cream: For a bit of a treat, a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice is simply divine. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is just *chef’s kiss*.

Storing and Reheating Your Dorset Apple Traybake

Now, this Dorset Apple Traybake is utterly delightful on its own, but sometimes you just want that little something extra, don’t you? Here are a few of my favourite ways to serve it up.

Keeping your Dorset Apple Traybake fresh is easy peasy! Once it’s completely cooled, pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to reheat a slice, just pop it in the oven at around 160°C for about 8-10 minutes until it’s warmed through and smells heavenly again. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Dorset Apple Traybake

Got a question about my Dorset Apple Traybake? I’ve answered a few common ones here to help you along!

Can I use different types of apples in this traybake?

Absolutely! While Bramley apples break down beautifully for this Dorset Apple Traybake, you can certainly use other varieties. Granny Smith apples will give you a tartness that balances the sweetness, or you could even mix in some Discovery or Cox’s Orange Pippin for a fruitier flavour. Just make sure they’re sliced thinly!

How do I make this Dorset Apple Traybake vegan?

It’s quite straightforward to make a vegan version! You’ll swap the butter for a good quality vegan block butter, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy, and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, left to sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. It’s a bit like adapting my easy vegan apple pie.

My traybake looks a bit pale, what did I do wrong?

Don’t worry, it happens! If your traybake is still a bit pale, it might need a little longer in the oven. Sometimes ovens can be a bit temperamental. A good tip is to check the colour and if it’s not quite golden enough after 45 minutes, just pop it back in for another 5-10 minutes. You can also gently press the top – if it springs back, it’s usually done!

Before You Go

I really hope you give this Dorset Apple Traybake a go soon. It’s a genuinely lovely bake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Let me know in the comments below how you get on, or if you tried any of the serving suggestions – happy baking!

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