Note: Try to get the most flavourful cooking apples available to make West Country Apple Cake.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces / about 2 c  wholewheat/wholemeal flour
• 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 ounces/ 1/4 lb butter
• 6 ounces dark brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 lb cooking apples, such as Bramley or Fuji, peeled, cored and chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons milk

Topping:

• 1 tbs  honey, warmed slightly
• 1 tbs light brown sugar
• 1 tbs toasted chopped walnuts

Method

1. Butter and line a deep 7″ round cake tin with parchment/baking paper. Butter the paper.
2. Sift  the flour, spices and baking powder together. Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, a little at a time, beating well after each addition.  Fold in the apples and enough milk to make a soft batter.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared  cake tin and bake at 325F for 1 1/2 hours, until well risen and firm to the touch. A thin skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean. Turn out on a wire rack to cool.
4. When the cake has cooled, brush with the honey and sprinkle with the light brown sugar and walnuts to decorate. Serve with Classic Scones as part of an afternoon tea.