Apple Crumble Loaf Cake | Baking

So originally, the plan was to bake the Apple Crumble Cupcakes that Zoella recently featured on her blog and YouTube channel. I had some granny smith apples in the pantry, so I thought I was all set. However, when it came to making the actual cake, I realised I'd had the last egg for brekkie. FAIL!

I'd already started cooking the apples, and had been thinking about this cake so I decided to hop on the internet and search through a few recipes. In the end, I ended up using this Italian Apple Cake recipe (which is originally vegan) as inspiration and also the crumble from Zoe's recipe to create this loaf cake! (N.B - because I used Zoe's recipe, the overall recipe is not vegan as it does contain butter)

Apple Crumble Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

Cake
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 water
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbs white or apple cider vinegar
2 large green apples

Crumble
1/4 cup caster sugar
30 grams butter, chilled
1/3 cup self-raising flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Method:
First, you'll need to preheat your oven to 180C/350F and grease a loaf tin.

Then start making the apple mixture. Peel, core and chop the apples into small cubes. Put them in a saucepan and add enough water so that they are covered. Let these simmer for 5-7 minutes till they are soft, drain the water and then set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients. Create a well and add all in all the wet ingredients. Mix with a large spoon until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be very, very thick - almost like a cookie dough - don't worry as the apples will release moisture as the cakes bake. Now carefully fold in the cooled apple mix.

Spoon the mixture into the greased baking tin, using a spatula to pat it evenly into the tin.

It's not ready to go in the over just yet...

Next make the crumble topping!
In a large bowl, rub together the butter, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla until nice and crumbly, then stir in the sugar. Then sprinkle this crumble on top on the cake batter.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes - testing with a spatula to make sure it is cooked through. The crumble should be lovely and golden on top.

Once cooled, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, and gently unmold and voila!

I really enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and I love love love this little cake that I came up with. Try the recipe and be sure to let me know what you think! You may even like to put your own little spin on it :)

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Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation Review

I'd heard a lot of hype around this product so when I was in London last Christmas, I couldn't help but pick this up. There's been mixed reviews around this product, however I couldn't love it more! I don't find it too heavy at all and yes, it does have a hefty price tag, but it feels so luxurious and the packaging, like all CT products is LUSH. It's encased in frosted glass with CT's signature rose gold lid and is soo gorgeous. 

The Magic Foundation comes in 15 different shades, all accompanied with photos of of models which I found extremely helpful when picking out my shade. I went for Shade 11 which is described as "a deep bronze for deep to dark skin tones with warm golden undertones". Initially, my thoughts were that the product would be too orange, and it does appear that when you first apply it however somehow when you buff it into the skin, it gives you such a flawless, airbrushed finish. 

The foundation is also SPF 15 which is a big plus in my books. I normally moisturise with the Simple  Kind To Skin SPF 30 anyway, but its nice to know I'm protected if I've missed any spots or if I change up my skincare. 

My favourite way too apply the foundation is using my hands. You can use a sponge or brush but I feel they don't work the product into the skin as well as the warmth from my fingers can. I have combination skin so I love how it's moisturising yet long-lasting and gives me a demi-matte finish with a natural glow. I use half a pump for my whole face and set my t-zone with my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder of Mac Studio Fix and it doesn't leave me with an oily forehead by the end of the day. I'd say if you had more oily skin, it would be good to get a sample and test it out or even to do that regardless of your skin type as it is an expensive foundation and you want to make sure that it works for you. 

I also received a sample of the Wonderglow Primer and I can honestly say its just as amazing. It smells divine and glides on really easily. I love how it makes my skin glow and gives me a really dewy finish when worn under makeup. I have a feeling this will be making its way onto my Christmas wishlist this year...

Let me know if you have tried anything from Charlotte Tilbury!