Toffee apples in a cake???

As usual, I was in the mood to bake, but not really in the mood to go shopping. After a look around the kitchen, I came up with a giant bag of toffees, and lots of apples..... hmmmm toffee apple cake anyone? 

I find baking really relaxing so I can't resist after a bad day, a long day, a busy day... basically any excuse!! 

The blackberry and apple crumble cake I baked a couple of weeks ago went down very well, so I decided to make it again, with a twist. 

There are a few different steps to this cake, but it's really simple, and definitely worth it. 

Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees (fan oven), and lining an 8 inch square tin. 

For the crumble topping:

2oz plain flour

1oz light brown sugar (brown sugar gives a more chewy caramel flavour than caster sugar)

2oz butter

50g finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are perfect) 

Rub the butter into the flour until you have no lumps of butter. Stir in sugar and nuts, and set aside until needed. 

For the filling: 

4 large cooking apples

100g toffee sweets

Peel, core and slice the apples. 

Place in a pan over a low heat with the toffees, until sweets have melted and apples are soft, but still firm. The toffees should sweeten the apples enough, but this is a personal taste thing, so let the mixture cool slightly and taste. If you need to sweeten, add some sugar, and cook until dissolved. 

Set aside to cool slightly. 

For the cake:

5oz self raising flour

2oz golden brown sugar

1oz ground almonds

1tsp cinnamon

50g finely chopped toffees

1 egg 

50ml milk

4oz butter, melted

Start by mixing the dry ingredients. 

Melt the butter, before beating in the egg and milk. 

Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients until just combined. 

To assemble the cake:

Pour the cake batter into lined tin. 

                                                           Top with the toffee apples.

Finally sprinkle the crumble topping over this.

Place in preheated oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm.

I prefer this cake warm, just out of the oven, but some of my friends think it's far better cold... I guess you'll just need to have a slice of each to find out what you prefer.... let me know!! 

I hope you enjoy this recipe... it's sweet, comforting and really delicious.