Somerset Apple Cake

Heat the oven to 180c. Grease and line a deep 20cm round loose – bottomed cake tin with parchment.

Cut the apples into small dice, about 1 cm. Sieve the flour, baking powder and spices into a mixing bowl. Rub in the butter and ground almonds so that the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the salt, sugar, zest, diced apple and eggs and mix well to combine.

Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface with a spatula. Core the remaining apple, leave the skin on and slice it finely. Arrange on the top of the cake. Brush the surface with melted butter, ensuring the apples are coated. Sprinkle over the sugar and slide into the oven to bake for 35-40 minutes, until deep golden and risen.

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then lift onto a cooling rack and continue to cool for 30 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve warm with custard.