Apple loaf recipe

Ingredients

2 large eating apples - cored with the skin on and cut into small chunks

120ml/4fl oz sunflower of vegetable oil

60ml/2fl oz milk

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract - optional extra

250g/8oz soft brown sugar or caster sugar

250g/8oz self-raising flour, sift

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Good pinch of mixed spices

Dusting for top of the cake when baked

2 teaspoons caster sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix both ingredients together well and sprinkle over the cake when cool.

Method

1. Line a standard 2lb large loaf tin or similar container with parchment/grease-proof paper.

2. Preheat the oven to 180c/Gas Mark 4.

3. In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared apples with the oil, milk, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract, and combine all well with a wooden spoon.

4. Sift over the flour, ground cinnamon and mixed spices, then thoroughly mix again well.

5. nine line Carefully pour the batter mixture into the prepared loaf tin.

6. Place your loaf cake in the middle of the oven and bake for around 60 minutes. You can test by pushing a skewer through the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean its baked.

7. Leave to cool slightly, and lift from the tin using the baking paper.

8. Allow to cool fully on a cooling rack if you can, then sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar before serving.

9. Best served by cutting up into wedges, slavering on the best butter with a nice cup of tea; or as a warming pudding with piping hot custard.

10. Store in an airtight container wrapped in clingfilm for a few days.