Lammas Blackberry & Apple Cake Recipe

Lammas—also known as Lughnasadh—is the first harvest festival of the Wheel of the Year. It’s a time to gather the fruits of your labour, give thanks for abundance, and set intentions for what comes next. What better way to celebrate than with a simple, seasonal bake filled with meaning?

This moist, golden sponge is bursting with ripe blackberries, crisp apples, and the warmth of cinnamon and hazelnuts. Every ingredient in this cake carries energy fit for a kitchen witch: apples for wisdom, blackberries for protection, cinnamon for prosperity, and hazelnuts for divine inspiration. Baked with love and intention, this becomes more than a dessert—it’s a Lammas celebration you can taste.

Ingredients (for 8–10 slices)

• 125g butter (softened), plus extra for greasing

• 125g caster sugar

• 3 large eggs (beaten)

• 50g ground almonds (or use 50g extra flour if avoiding nuts)

• 100g self-raising flour

• 2 tart eating apples (Discovery, Russet, or Worcester recommended), peeled, cored and sliced into 12 segments each

• 100g fresh blackberries

For the topping:

• 1 pinch ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp demerara sugar

• 25g butter (cut into small flakes)

• 25g hazelnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)

• Icing sugar for dusting

Method: A Harvest Bake with Intention

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Space
   Preheat the oven to 160C (140C fan) / Gas mark 3. Grease a 22cm round loose-bottomed cake tin and line the base with parchment. Take a deep breath and set your intention as you prepare—this is no ordinary bake.

2. Cream with Gratitude
   In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. With each stir, think of something you’re grateful for this Lammas.

3. Mix with Purpose
   Gradually add the eggs, a little at a time, beating gently. Fold in the ground almonds, remaining flour, and your hopes for joy and nourishment.

4. Stir in the Fruits of the Season
   Fold in two-thirds of the sliced apples and all the blackberries—symbols of transformation and protection. Pour the mixture into the cake tin and smooth the surface. Top with the remaining apple slices.

5. Top and Bake
   Sprinkle the cinnamon and demerara sugar over the top. Dot with flakes of butter. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. When done, remove from the oven and scatter over the toasted hazelnuts. Let it cool before dusting with icing sugar.

A Kitchen Witch’s Touch (Optional)

• Bless Your Ingredients: As you add each one, speak its meaning: “Blackberry for protection, apple for knowledge, cinnamon for abundance…”

• Create a Ritual Moment: Light a candle while the cake bakes and write down one thing you’ve achieved this year.

• Serve with Intention: Share with others or enjoy mindfully, giving thanks to the land and season.

Magical Meanings of the Ingredients

Final Thoughts

Lammas is a time of gratitude and gentle abundance. This cake honours both—using the gifts of the season to nourish body and spirit. Whether you bake it for a feast, a quiet moment of reflection, or just because it’s delicious, let it remind you of all you’ve sown and grown this year.