Delicious Apple Blackberry Crumble Cake

This Apple Blackberry Crumble Cake is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples and blackberries with a crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for afternoon tea, this cake's tender crumb is complemented by a rich buttercream. The recipe involves layers of moist sponge cake made with margarine and butter, layered with sweet apple and blackberry filling, and topped with a velvety buttercream laced with a hint of cinnamon. The crumble adds a satisfying texture that's sure to be a hit. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that doesn't require complex techniques, making it suitable for bakers of all levels. In just over an hour, you can create a cake that looks impressive and tastes even better. The cake's balance of sweetness and fruitiness makes it a refreshing dessert option. This dessert is a wonderful centerpiece for any gathering. Simple yet elegant, this cake embodies the essence of homemade goodness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 85 g softened margarine
• 85 g softened butter
• 170 g sugar
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 170 g flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 3 apples, peeled and diced
• 150 g blackberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crumble Topping

• 85 g wheat flour
• 60 g soft butter
• 30 g brown sugar
• 30 g rolled oats
• A large pinch of cinnamon

Buttercream

• 170 g icing sugar
• 125 g unsalted butter, softened
• A large pinch of cinnamon

Preparation Time

• Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Crumble: In a food processor, combine the wheat flour, soft butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pulse until the mixture resembles large breadcrumbs. Set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 4.
3. Prepare Cake Tins: Grease two 20 cm cake tins, line them with baking paper, and dust the sides with a little flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the margarine, butter, and sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs: Gradually add the whisked eggs into the creamed mixture, continuously stirring to blend evenly.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture and gently fold in using a spatula.
7. Add Fruits and Flavoring: Stir in about a third of the diced apples, 100 g of blackberries, and the vanilla extract.
8. Divide the Batter: Split the mixture evenly between the prepared cake tins.
9. Add Crumble: Sprinkle two-thirds of the crumble mixture over the batter in each tin.
10. Bake the Cakes: Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark.
11. Check for Doneness: The cakes are done when they are golden brown, spring back when touched, and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
13. Prepare Remaining Apples: Mix the remaining apples with a tablespoon of sugar, heat in a pan until soft, then allow to cool.
14. Make Buttercream: Beat together the unsalted butter, icing sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until fluffy.
15. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cooled, spread the apple mixture and two-thirds of the buttercream on one cake layer.
16. Stack the Layers: Place the second cake layer on top.
17. Top with Buttercream: Use a decorating knife to spread the remaining buttercream over the top.
18. Decorate: Garnish the top with the leftover crumble and blackberries.
19. Perfect for Tea: This cake is an ideal treat to serve with tea.
20. Enjoy at Room Temperature: For the best flavor, serve the cake at room temperature.

Tips

• Butter Substitution: Use all butter for a richer flavor if preferred.
• Fruit Variation: Swap blackberries with raspberries or blueberries.
• Crispy Crumble: For a crunchier topping, bake the crumble separately and add just before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbs: 46g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter and margarine with vegan alternatives and use flax eggs instead of eggs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.

Best Places

• Café de Paris - A chic spot offering a variety of pastries and cakes with similar flavors. Location: 7 Rue de Berri, Paris, France.
• The Cake Room - Known for their creative takes on traditional desserts. Location: 50 Mill Rd, Cambridge, UK.
• Blackberry Café - A cozy café known for berry-infused desserts. Location: 86015 Barstow, Los Angeles, USA.
• Apple Delight - Specializes in apple-based treats. Location: 42 Orchard St, New York, USA.
• Berries & Crumbs - Offers a delightful combination of berries and cakes. Location: 876 King St W, Toronto, Canada.
• Cafe Yum - Famous for its comforting cakes and bakes. Location: 88 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Sweet Retreat - Offers a delicious array of crumble cakes. Location: 15 Devonshire Square, London, UK.
• Pie & Crumble Haven - House of the best crumble pies. Location: 623 El Camino Real, San Francisco, USA.
• Rustic Crumble Café - Known for their hearty desserts. Location: 311 E Houston St, San Antonio, USA.
• Berry Bliss Bistro - A must-visit for berry lovers. Location: 34 George St, Edinburgh, UK.