Mother's Day BAKES

Showstopping sweet treats to seriously impress

Apple blossom loaf cake

A gorgeous teatime cake created by baking expert Juliet Sear – perfect with a cuppa!

SERVES 8-10
PREP 20 MINS
COOK 45 MINS-1 HR

✱ 250g self-raising flour

✱ 100g salted butter

✱ 125g golden caster sugar

✱ 3-4tsp ground cinnamon

✱ 2 Pink Lady apples

✱ 1tsp vanilla bean paste

✱ 4 eggs

✱ 100g fondant icing sugar

✱ 1-2tsp apple juice

✱ Pink food colouring (optional)

✱ Apple blossom or edible flowers

1 In a large bowl, rub together the butter and flour until you have a breadcrumb consistency.

2 Add the cinnamon and caster sugar to the mixture and combine well.

3 Peel and cut the Pink Lady apples into smallish chunks and stir into the dry mix.

4 Gently beat the eggs and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl, then add to the dry ingredients and mix well.

5 Place the batter into a lined 2lb loaf tin and bake at 170C/Gas 3 for 45 mins to an hour until cooked through, risen and golden on the top. Leave to cool on a rack.