Apple And Hazelnut Sponge

Directions

1. 1
   First make stewed apples: This part of the recipe can be made up to 2 days ahead. Place apple juice and sugar and boil on high for 3-4 of minutes till reduced a touch, then add apples and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, till soft but still holding shape. Remove from heat and stir in Calvados, to taste or other liqueur. Set aside.
2. 2
   Butter 6 dariole moulds or a 26cm diameter tart tin and then sprinkle crushed hazelnuts inside till a coating is formed on the base and sides of the containers.
3. 3
   Preheat the oven to 180 deg c.
4. 4
   In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, pinch of salt and nut meal, whisking together to combine.
5. 5
   Whisk the wet ingredients to combine in another bowl: The yogurt, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Then make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients, pour this wet mix into the well and gently stir to combine with a spatula, ensuring you mix the ingredients at the base, till well combined.
6. 6
   The next step is layering the apples, cake mix and nuts. Begin with a tablespoon of cake batter, followed by a sprinkling of crushed hazelnuts and topped by a teaspoon of stewed apple . Repeat again, finishing with some apple chunks. Then sprinkle some hazelnuts over the top. The mould should be just over halfway if using darioles. Repeat for all the other moulds.If using a tart tin, put all the batter in the pan and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts over the top, followed by the apples.
7. 7
   Place cake moulds on baking tray and bake in the centre of the oven for 25 - 35 minutes till the top is browned and a skewer or cake tester comes out clean.
8. 8
   Serve with warm vanilla custard and some warm apple cider to go.