Apple and chocolate is a great flavor combination! This firm but sticky cake travels well and is easy to slice, making it ideal for picnics.

Ingredients: (Serves 9)

• 200 g/7 oz unsalted butter
• 225 g/8 oz caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 55 g/2 oz cocoa powder
• 50 ml/2 fl oz water
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 green apples, peeled and quartered
• 225 g/8 oz self-raising flour
• 115 g/4 oz icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon milk

Method:

Preheat the oven to 160ºC/325ºF/Gas mark 3. Grease a 23-cm/9-inch square cake tin.

Place the first 8 ingredients in a food processor and process until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour or until well risen. Remove the tin from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Put the remaining 4 ingredients in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and heat until melted. Stir until smooth, adding a little extra milk if the mixture is a little too stiff. Spread the frosting over the cake. Once the frosting has set, the cake is ready to serve.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.