APPLE SPONGE RECIPE MARY BERRY RECIPES

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4. Lightly grease two 20cm (8in) deep loose-bottomed sandwich tins and line the bases with non-stick baking paper.

Measure the sponge ingredients into a large bowl or freestanding mixer and beat for about 2 minutes with an electric whisk until beautifully smooth and lighter in colour. The time will vary according to the efficiency of the mixer.

Divide the mixture between the tins and level the tops. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until well risen and golden and the cakes are shrinking away from the sides of the tins. The tops of the cakes should spring back when pressed lightly with a finger.

Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for a few moments, then run a palette knife around the edge of the tins to free the sides. Turn the cakes out, then peel off the paper and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

Choose the cake with the best top and spread the underside with jam. Put the other cake top downwards on a serving plate. Spread this cake carefully with the whipped cream. Sit the other cake on top (jam side touching the cream).

Sprinkle with sugar and cut into slices to serve.

Mary’s tips:

Can be made and assembled up to 8 hours ahead.

Keep cake wrapped in the fridge but serve at room temperature.

Cooked cakes freeze well.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4. Grease two loose-bottomed 20cm (8in) sandwich cake tins and base line with non-stick baking paper.

Measure the flour, sugar and baking powder into a large bowl.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add the oil, carrot, mashed banana and courgettes to the eggs and stir. Add these wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk together using an electric whisk until combined.

Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until well risen and lightly golden.

Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack to cool completely. The cakes will shrink back a little when cooling.

To make the icing, place the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until combined. Add the vanilla and half the icing sugar and whisk again until combined. Add the remaining icing sugar and whisk until light and fluffy.

Spread half the icing over one cake. Sandwich the cakes together, then spread the remaining icing on the top and swirl. Arrange the slices of banana in a spiral pattern.

Cut into slices to serve.

Mary’s tips:

Can be made a day ahead and iced on the day of serving.

Un-iced cakes can be frozen.