Features
Autumnal fruit cakes, bakes and puddings
by Malou Herkes
published on 13 August 2019, last updated on 26 October 2023
As the summer draws to a close, autumn welcomes in a new season of abundance in the UK. Orchard fruits like apples, pears and plums are at their best, as are the blackberries that have been ripening on hedgerows since August. Make the most of local fruit with these autumnal baking recipes, from classic crumbles and upside-down cakes to Ottolenghi’s aromatic plum and bay friand.
Apple, Cheddar and Clove Galette
If you’ve never thought to combine cheddar and apple in pie form before, this rustic galette from Rukmini Iyer will show you just how good it can be.
Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble
Made with just six ingredients, this warming buttery crumble by Mary Berry uses muscovado and demerara sugar for a deep, caramelised finish.
Plum, Blackberry and Bay Friand Bake
Friands are celestially light almond cakes. Ottolenghi brings his to life with autumnal plums and blackberries. “The fruit can be played around with, depending on the season”, he says, so feel free to throw in other fruits that need using up; peaches and raspberries in summer or apples and pears later in the year.
Pear and Vanilla Upside-Down Cake
Upside-down cakes not only look the part, they’re a wonderful way to showcase in-season fruit without being too tricky to make. Bake Off star, James Morton, shows you how to team pear and vanilla in this modern twist on a traditional bake. Got a glut of plums instead? Try this recipe for caramelised upside-down plum cake.
Precious Pear Tart with Almond Frangipane and Ginger Nut Crust
Jamie Oliver’s easy take on pear tart is wonderfully aromatic, thanks to a rich almond frangipane and a crunchy base of ginger nut biscuits.
Any-Fruit Streusel Cake
You can use just about any fruit in this cake recipe, which is perfect if you have an autumnal glut. Ripe pears, plums or apples would be great, or go for blueberries if you like.
Blackberry Cake with Membrillo Glaze
Studded with plump, juicy blackberries and shining with a sticky membrillo glaze, this impressive looking cake is a doddle to throw together.
Salted Caramel, Poached Pear and Chocolate Drizzle Tray Bake
Traybake meringue topped with oozy dulche de leche, poached pears, drizzled chocolate, mascarpone and walnuts, this is an impressive autumnal dessert that couldn’t be easier to make.
Free-from Hazelnut, Plum & Cinnamon Tart (gluten-free)
Plums, orange and cinnamon on a hazelnut pastry base makes this a show-stopping dessert that’s big on flavour and perfect for those who wish to avoid gluten.
Joe’s Blackberry Brownies
You need just six ingredients to make these gooey chocolate brownies. Rich chocolate combined with sharp blackberries make for an irresistible flavour.
Rick Stein’s Apple Charlotte
Sweet, buttery, and with a perfectly crisp exterior, Rick Stein’s classic Charlotte is divine served with custard, clotted cream, or ice cream.
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