Chevra

Apple, honey and almond cake

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease a 22 cm springform cake tin with non-stick baking spray or olive oil, then line with baking paper.
2. Pour boiling water over the sultanas, drain and place in a small saucepan. Pour over the brandy, bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat. Leave to soak and cool.
3. Whisk the honey and oil until well combined, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Add the almonds and whisk until smooth. Fold in the grated apple, soaked sultanas, lemon zest and juice.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 50 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool. Serve on a cake plate or stand.
5. Just before serving, top with peeled thinly sliced apple, painted with lemon juice and drizzled with honey.
Photograph: Toby Murphy
Production: Phillippa Cheifitz
Food assistant: Kate Ferreira