I know it’s autumn when I find half-eaten apples on the table or in the fridge. Disregarded, I-lost-interest apples are just what you need for this homely, perfect-with-a-cup-of-tea cake.

My aunty has been making this for years and like all good recipes, it’s been written down on notepaper and passed around the family, it often makes an appearance around birthday time and it’s the perfect addition to the school lunchbox.

Personally, I love a cake that doesn’t require a trip to the shops; if you’ve got a few apples and pantry staples you’ll be devouring this scrumptious cake within a few hours.

Aunty Wendy’s Apple Cake

125grams butter

2 medium apples, peeled and grated

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 cups plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon all spice

pinch of salt

…and for the topping:

25grams melted butter

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C (350F) and line a round cake tin with baking paper.

Mix butter, sugar and egg and then add grated apple. Mix well.

Stir in sifted dry ingredients, mix well and pour into cake tin.

Mix the topping ingredients together and spread evenly over the cake.

Bake for 45minutes or until golden brown on top.