Apple Crumble Streusel Cake

Directions

1. 1

   Make the streusel: rub the cold butter, sugar and flour together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly breadcrumbs. Refrigerate until needed.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10-inch (26 cm) springform pan with butter and dust lightly with flour.

3. 3

   Beat the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and creamy, about 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest if using.

5. 5

   Gently fold in the sifted flour and baking powder, alternating with the milk, until a smooth, even batter forms.

6. 6

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

7. 7

   Core the apples and slice them thinly, keeping the skin on for extra texture and colour. Arrange the slices over the batter.

8. 8

   Scatter the streusel evenly over the apples and dust generously with cinnamon to taste.

9. 9

   Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the streusel is deep golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool before unclipping the tin.