Ballymaloe Apple Cake Recipe

Ingredients for Ballymaloe Apple Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Unsalted Butter
• Brown Sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Cortland Apples
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Allspice
• Clove
• pinch of ground nutmeg
• Liquid Honey
• 1/2 cup raisins
• Whipped Cream

How to Make Ballymaloe Apple Cake

1. **Prepare the Apple Filling:** Peel and core 6-8 medium Bramley apples (about 2 lbs). Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. **Toss with Lemon:** In a large bowl, toss the apples with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
3. **Add Spices:** Add 1/2 cup raisins, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
4. **Sweeten the Filling:** Stir in 1/4 cup honey and mix thoroughly. Set aside.
5. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons baking powder.
6. **Cut in Butter:** Cut in 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. **Add Sugar:** Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar.
8. **Make a Well:** Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
9. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour in 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup milk.
10. **Mix Dough:** Using a fork, stir briskly until a sticky dough forms.
11. **Divide the Dough:** Divide the dough in half.
12. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness.
13. **Place in Pie Plate:** Carefully transfer the dough to a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate.
14. **Add Filling:** Spoon the apple filling evenly over the dough.
15. **Top with Dough:** Place the remaining dough on top of the filling.
16. **Seal the Edges:** Crimp the edges to seal.
17. **Vent the Crust:** Using a sharp knife, cut several small slits in the center of the pastry top to allow steam to escape.
18. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
19. **Cool and Serve:** Let cool slightly before cutting into 8 wedges. Serve warm with whipped cream and brown sugar.