Apple, Maple & Pecan Cake
plus a whole bunch of recipe ideas for the hosting season and a festive giveaway
I don’t want to be that typical British person constantly harping on about the weather but it has been such a frosty week! The electric blankets are out, my thermal socks are in constant use and I’ve been downing endless cups of hot ginger and turmeric to try and fight off a very stubborn cold.
I initially had more elaborate recipe ideas for this week but as a result of being a bit rundown and achy, I went for something quite simple but of course, still delicious. If you find yourself in a similar boat then this nutty, fruity one bowl cake comes together without too much effort. Serve it warm for maximum squidginess and it’s even more perfect sitting in a lake of custard (surprise surprise). I’ve also given you the option to add some hot butterscotch pecans which gives the gooeyness of an upside down cake but without the faff.
Enjoy!
Benjamina x
LIVE EVENT FOR CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
As you may or may not know, depending on how long you’ve been following me, I’ve been writing recipes for The Guardian for just over 3 years(!) And on the 5th December, I’ll be in conversation with my fellow Feast writers, Grace Dent, Meera Sodha and Rachel Roddy. It’ll be a very festive, interactive evening where we’ll chat about everything from our favourite Christmas recipes, memories and traditions.
Excitingly, I have 4 tickets to give away for this event which will include a lovely goody bag, a drink and the option to get a signed copy of my book. So if you’re a paid subscriber and would like to come along, just reply to this email with your name! It’s a first come, first served situation so be quick!!
Regular tickets can also be purchased here if you want to come down. It would be lovely to meet some of you!
RECIPES FOR THE HOSTING SEASON
I often get messages asking for advice about things to make during this time of year when cooking and baking for others is in full swing and it’s easy to run out of ideas. From friendsgiving to thanksgiving, festive dinner parties, brunches and everything in between, I’ve got you covered.
My latest cookbook, I’ll Bring Dessert is perfect for this! (and would also make a fabulous gift). Whether you’re after something fruity, chocolatey, creamy or nutty, something dairy free, something for a crowd or just for two, there are over 70 recipes to give you some inspiration.
Here are just some of my favourites for this time of year from my cookbooks, substack and my Guardian column:
Tiramisu (pictured above) - A can’t go wrong kind of dessert. Proper crowdpleaser and ideal for making ahead. Recipe in I’ll Bring Dessert
Chocolate & Date Christmas Cake - The only Christmas cake I enjoy and one that has converted many traditional Christmas cake haters.
White Chocolate, Rye & Pretzel Cookie (pictured above) - Perfect for a cosy girls night. Make it in a big pan or skillet and serve it warm from the oven with a tub of ice cream. Recipe in I’ll Bring Dessert
Sticky Miso Banana Cake - Ideal for when you need something warm and gooey. If you’ve got ripe bananas sitting in the fruit bowl, this ones for you.
Fudgy Chocolate Cake with Coffee Creme Fraiche - For the chocolate lovers.
Daim Almond Cake - This is a fun one made with real daim bars and a custardy french buttercream filling that gets covered in a nutty chocolate glaze.
Gingerbread Roulade - The only time you’ll catch me using biscoff in a recipe. Fluffy spiced meringue gets rolled up with a creamy biscuity filling for a fun take on a festive classic. Recipe in I’ll Bring Dessert
Bay Leaf Custard Tart - Bay is such an underrated herb but it’s the star of the show in this silky custard tart. Recipe in A Good Day to Bake
Baci Di Dama (pictured above) - I love to serve these after a meal with coffee. Make a big batch in advance and you can box some up as a cute edible gift. Recipe in I’ll Bring Dessert.
APPLE, MAPLE & PECAN CAKE WITH HOT BUTTERSCOTCH PECANS
