This apple cider cake with salted cider caramel drizzle uses delicious apple cider to create an extra-special apple cake!
Commissioned post.
I’ve been working with Thatchers Cider this year, discovering how well food and cider pair together. Hint: it’s fantastic! In past posts I’ve looked at cider and food pairing, cheese and cider pairing, and wrote about 75 recipe ideas for a cider pairing dinner party. I hope you’ve enjoyed coming with me on my cider journey and that you’ll be hosting cider pairing parties of your own.
For this post, instead of pairing cider with food, I’ve used it as the star ingredient in a moist and decadent Apple Cider Cake with Salted Cider Caramel Drizzle. I’ve soaked chunks of apple in cider (I used Thatchers Gold – a medium/dry sparkling cider) and then put both in the batter of this moist apple cake. I’ve then used some more cider as the base of a moreish salted cider caramel to drizzle over it.
If you throw a cider pairing dinner party, this cake would be the perfect dessert!
- 1 eating apple, washed and cored, but unpeeled, cut into medium-sized chunks
- 175ml (¾ cup) good quality medium dry cider (I used Thatcher’s Gold)
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 125g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 free-range organic eggs
- 175g (1 ½ cups) plain (all purpose) flour
- 60g (½ cup) wholemeal plain flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
- 250g (1 ⅓ cup) sugar
- 60ml (¼ cup) water
- 3 tablespoons good quality apple cider (I used Thatchers Gold)
- 150ml (½ cup) double (heavy) cream
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes
- Soak the apple chunks in the cider while preparing the other ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and lightly grease an 18cm (7in) cake tin.
- In a stand mixer or with an electric whisk, cream together the butter and sugar for a few minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, both flours, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, and mix to combine.
- Add the apple (along with the cider it was soaked in), to the batter and gently stir to combine, being careful not to over-mix.
- Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the salted cider caramel:
- Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over a medium heat, stirring gently until it bubbles and the sugar dissolves. Add the cider and, without stirring, boil the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it is a golden colour. If necessary, scrape the sides down with a rubber spatula, but don’t stir.
- Remove from the heat and stir the cream into the sauce until combined. Be careful, it will bubble up considerably and could splurt at you like molten caramel lava. Stir in the salt. Pour into a sterilized jar and allow to cool.
- Drizzle the cooled salted cider caramel over the cake and serve.
Thatchers have a range of vegan, gluten-free ciders that are all made with love and care at their apple farm in Somerset. They use traditional techniques and the expertise they’ve honed since 1904 to craft the finest range of Somerset ciders. Four generations of cider-making later, they’ve created some exceptional ciders on their 400 acres of apple orchards.
Disclosure: Thatchers commissioned this post and provided the giveaway prize. All opinions are my own.
LORNA WIL
Enjoying the peacful sight of all the beautiful flowers, plants growing in my garden with the butterflies & bees buzzing about & birds singing!
Sarah Gray
Gardening, not having to wear a coat, bbqs, chilled wine, summer flowers, cut grass 🙂
Chirag Patel
Be able to enjoy the garden and the smell the f the bbq
caroline kelly
Days out with my little girl and nights in beer gardens with my friends
tony houghton
save on electric drying the washing outdoors, bbq’s while its warmer conditions
Jenny Rogers
I love not having to wear socks, and not having to wrap up to go outside.
Elissa Gill
Family bbqs and sitting outside having a drink and reading a book
Val Pownall
I love the fresh air, warm sunshine and paddling my feet in the sea.
Ali Duke
Sitting in the sunshine with a cold drink
kayleigh dudley
i love our little camping weekend trips. My son calls them his holidays. so we enjoy trips to the coast, walking and lots of ice creams 🙂
ellie spider
I love the warm sunny days on the beach with the family and picnics in the park with friends
Natalie Gillham
What I love most about summer is the warmer sunny weather and being out more x
Keeley Shaw
I love the summer holidays and spending time with the kids. Also love family BBQs at my mum’s house, and days out with a picnic. x
Steve Davies
Late evening when the day has cooled down, nothing better than a nice dry cider to quench the thirst and help you unwind.
Georgina Farrow
lovely hot evenings picking blackberries with my new husband like this evening
Dawn Chapman
i haven’t got a garden, I call what I’ve got a yard Some would say “Patio” but it;s my haven and suntrap where in the summer I lounge, read and indulge in the odd cider.
Dragonfly63
I love being able to spend evening pottering about my garden and sitting drinking cider as the sun sets.
Lisa Mcalley
The fact i can spent all those weeks every day with all my 3 kids. i love it alot.
Hayley Elvin
Exploring the British countryside in glorious sunshine as we don’t get much, but when it is sunny we have the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Katherine Bond
I love sitting in the garden during summer when it’s cooler in the evening and enjoying a cold drink.
tammi nutting
the long light nights so we can have plenty of hot tub partys
Cat b
Sunny evenings, sleeping with the window open all night
holly walker
it was my daughters first summer and i loved her exploring the beach and enjoying the paddling pool
Spencer Wright
Long warm evenings in my colourful garden, BBQs & sitting at a riverside pub, enjoying cold drinks & good company.
Julie Camm
I really love the warm evenings spent outside with my family and friends…….. happy times they are….
Cerys John
Sun, sea, sand, family time, and lots of down time 🙂
Victoria Prince
I love the longer days 🙂 and (theoretically) drier weather! Though we’ve had a fab summer this year so far. Most consistent one I can remember!
Chantel L
Simply waking to sunshine and the warmer weather (much preferred to dark winter mornings & layering clothes in the cold!)
Sarah Reed
Swimming in the sea, when it’s warm in the evening and the tide has come up over the hot sand. It feels amazing to be swimming in the North Sea when its actually warm water!
Pauline Burroughs
I love walking in the countryside on lovely sunny days
denise s
eating and sitting outside in the garden , having picnics in the park and bike rides with the family.
Tracey S Anderson
I LOVE lots of things about Summer but my favourite would have to be the school holidays when i get to spend family fun times with the munchkins X x x
Clare
I love to take my dog out for a walk along the canal… Sometimes we accidentally call into the pub for refreshments too!
Alisa Moore
Love being outdoors until late in the evenings
sue mcdermott
I love being able to walk around without any socks on!
FARIDAH BROOKER
I love the sun shining and it being warm. I love the fact that everything seems so much nicer in the sun!
Scott Fallon
What i love about summer: good weather, football, comfortable clothes
Louise Osborn
Chilling outside in the back garden with a BBQ and some music 🙂
Tim Bain
I love the light mornings and evenings , cheers you up for the day in a morning and gives you time to do stuff outdoors in the evening 🙂
Spencer Broadley
Early evening barbeques with friends
Mary H
Best part of Summer is sitting on Bristol Harbourside with a few bottles of Thatchers just watching the world go by (and trying not to get shat on by a seagull). Love that stuff, I can’t wait to make this cake!
Gina Camacho
Long days , bbqs and beach. 🙂
Cheryl O'Sullivan
Sitting in the garden, having barbecues with family and friends.
Peter Jolley
Playing tennis in the sun
Katie Chamberlain
Love sitting in the garden with the sun shining and enjoying a cold beverage
Charmian Filewood
Going round to my parents gorgeous garden and sitting chilling with them having a great laugh 🙂
Dorothy Kousoulou
I love taking the dog for a walk on a lovely sunny morning (before it gets toohot) when thereisn’t the usual hustle and bustle of traffic
kim wallace
sitting in a pub by a lock watching the world go by with the dogs
sandy ralph
i love day trips out with teh family and the longer evenings to enjoy in the garden too
Saran Benjamin
Lazy days laying on the beach …bonus of living by the sea
Juli Savage
relaxing in the sun and quenching my thirst with ice cold cider
Gemma Massey
I love the hot weather, bbqs and day trips out xx
Dale Dow
spending time with the kids without the interruptions of school
Karen Howden
I love the fact that its warm, the sun hopefully will be shining and I can spend time with my family
Tammy Neal
I love spending time in the garden, having a bbq with all the family round <3
antonia richardson
walking down the town and back the beach way
paula cheadle
I drink only thatchers, so the chair would be wonderful too
Karen Anne Brown
We love an evening stroll along the beach.
Gillian Hutchison
I love being able to get the washing hung out and dried in the sunshine, my children being able to play in the garden and family bbq’s
vicky eves
Warm evenings, BBQs with friends and the days are so much longer – what is there not to love?
jemmer sams
Playing in the pool with my daughter on a warm day, late nght dog walks in the cool summer nights air and growing and picking our own fruit and veg x
Robyn Clarke
I love spending time in the garden, growing veggies, socialising with friends, reading my book.
Hayley Todd
I love being lucky enough to do a job I love that gives me the whole summer holidays off work to spend with my beautiful girls, having fun and making memories.
Jenny Prest
warm days spent in the garden or out exploring with my son, followed by a cool cider later in the day with the other half.
Kirsty Hosty
The warmer weather and longer nights so we can sit in the garden and enjoy the peace and quiet
Oksana Fitzgerald
I love playing with my daughter and eating bbq in the garden. I love going to the seaside
Maureen Quinnell
Having long summer nights to be able to enjoy a couple of hours in the garden after work
Julie Wilson
Spending quality time with cherished family and friends.
Jean Vaughan
From breakfast to supper, love eating outdoors, sitting on the patio- that feeling of space and tranquility
Justina Howells
Lots of time in the garden with family & my dogs, enjoying the sunshine, getting the paddling pool out for the children, drying my washing on the line, plenty of BBQs. Warm evenings sitting outside to enjoy a few drinks and do some stargazing, watching the meteor shower in August. Oh and picnics, how could I forget picnics, we love those! 🙂
Karl Borowy
love the hiking on hot summer days in the countryside
Ellen Stafford
The longer days and more chances to walk the dogs in the cooler evenings.
LUCY KNIGHT
Long summer nights to enjoy bbqs and lots of fun with friends and family
AnnaH
I love being able to get out and about with the kids in the (hopefully!) good weather!
Steven Beasley
The better weather so i can have more days out with the family and our pets.
Adrian Bold
I love the longer nights, warmer days – and of course the holidays and BBQ’s!
Mel Turner
I love spending quality time with my 2 boys creating lots of happy memories out in the sunshine.
pam Lawrence
I love being able to play out in my garden all day and long into the evening, feeling the warm sun and the cooling breezes on my bare skin, and feeling the ground beneath my bare feet. I love sitting surrounded by all my plants and flowers, hearing bees lazily buzzing from blossom to blossom, and watching my clean washing flapping gaily on the line. Summer is the only time of the year that I feel truly alive, and i make the most of every moment I can be outside.
Diana
Warm weather, longer days, our family time sent at the seaside and those yummy summer picnics 🙂
Stevey H
I love eating outside;it makes for a great experience!
Gemma Cook
I love the lighter nights and spending quality time with my family outdoors.
Rebecca C
Finally getting to use our barbecue makes summer nights brilliant!
Lynne OConnor
Longer days and being warm enough to swim in the local Lido
Kerry Smith
I love the long summer days and being able to eat in the garden with the kids
Stuart Dunlop
I love beach walking and watching the sun go down – fab
Michelle Wild
I like the sun, the flowers, the light nights and outdoor eating.
sharon martin
i love the lovely weather, fragrant flowers and water fights with the kids
Jayne K
I love the long evenings, but i can already see it’s getting dark so much earlier now
Elspeth MacMillan
The longer daylight hours plus being Scotland warmer rain 😀
Helen A
Having a family BBQ With the family x
Lydia Barton
The best thing about summer days are being able to eat breakfast and dinners outside in the garden and being able to sit out in the evening with a nice glass of something!
Keith Dixon
I love walking in the countryside in summer seeing our wildlife and spectacular views.
Anna Pritchard
Sunshine and the long days and light nights
Joanna emery
I love making apple juice and cider from our apple trees at the bottom of our garden. The whole family gets involved and friends help out as well. We made our first batches this week!
Jamie Millard
I love that the summer leads to more outdoor time – the garden, the bbq or a picnic.
Chris Fletcher
For me it is the energy that summer brings – it lifts everyone and puts a spring in their step! Other than that is has to be the parties!
Anne Eames
Harvesting all the fresh produce from my allotment when I can sample the fruits of my labour
Chantal
I love the long, sunny days and getting my daily dose of Vitamin D
Emma
Spending time in the garden when it is sunny
Alison
The long light evenings to sit in the garden
Clare Johnson
Cider, sun and sea
Helen A
Family BBQ mmmmm this would be amazing xxxx
Claire Stewart
I love the excuse to be able to drink cider on which ever day as the sun is shining
Claire Barker
Having my garden buzzing with pollinators 🙂
Serena La Pietra
My favourite thing about summer is being able to sit out in the garden late at night to stargaze. So peaceful, my mind can really think and wonder.
Helen
sunshine and fresh air and the chance to be in the garden
Allan Fullarton
Having family bbqs.
Rebecca Powell
I love family barbecues on the warm summer evenings
Donna Craggs
Being able to spend time outside in the sun and light nights
Lauren Old
The thing I love most about summer is the long evenings and hot weather
Anthea Holloway
I love all the summer fruits and vegetables and this year my garden has been very productive and the neighbours and family are also enjoying the many varieties.
Mike Williams
The fact that there are usually a few days over the summer where you can enjoy outside activities like camping, walking, BBQ and spending time with my family
claire little
I love the longer nights and being able to do things with my kids after work
Steven Blake
I love to get out and about with the kids, we all love picnics and days out at the beach .
Caroline Bellamy
I love sitting in the sun and feeling its warmth on my skin – such a simple pleasure but it does me the world of good.
Victoria B
Long nights, warm days and bank holidays.
Sarah Cooper
Spending time with the family.
Samantha R
I love being able to appreciate my city again now that it’s sunny!
Rebecca England
I love getting out in the garden, and growing lots of home produce
Ann Skamarauskas
waking up to light and coming home and it is still light….plus the warmth of the sunshine
Kelly Jones
Not having to wear a coat, sitting outside in the evening and not needing to use a hairdryer!
Lyla
I love being able to sit in the garden late into the evening
Steve Davies
Great recipe will have to try it, also great prize, this would be the perfect chill spot whilst i guard the bbq
Kyomi Johnson
I love being with family
sylvia spall
life at the beach hut
Peter Watson
Summer is great for watching cricket.I especially love test matches at Lords and the Oval.
Amanda Gregory
I love being able to sit out in my daughter’s lovely garden.
Kristyn Harris
I love being able to eat outdoors in the summer with family and friends.
jen s morgan
Love being out to get it in the fresh air having fun and the lighter nights
Karen Barrett
I love being able to potter about in my garden and greenhouse
Rosie Holloway
Pub lunches in beer gardens
Jayne Kelsall
I just love being able to get out and about with the kids, we love picnics and days out at the beach .x
Caroline Cordery
I love getting brown, trampolining in the garden and the fact the kids can play on a beach for hours on end.
jason hanratty
Being able to sit outside and eat with nature, the fresh air the sweet sounds
Mike Gerrie
Longer, warmer evenings and spending the weekend in the garden with family and friends having fun
linda toth
I love sunshine and hot weather. Thanks for the chance to win a comfortable deck chair to enjoy the last rays of the sunshine.
sheridarby
I love the long warm light summer evenings
zoe
cider, sun, friends & fun times!
Nikki Hayes
Festival season – we are known as the festival capital of the UK here in Bristol :o)
Brian Cheney
I love being able to get home from work and still enjoy some sunshine on a summers evening.
Leanne Joy
I love being outdoors more even if it’s only sitting in the garden eating dinner
Ann Grisdale
I love our summer holiday trip to somewhere hot, I love Pimms, Elderflower Cordial And BBQ’s in the garden with friends and family.
Tracey Woods
Love cider d chair looks nice
Mary Baldwin
I love it still being light when I get in from work – makes the day seem so much longer.
Lynne Norris
Everybody feels happier in summer because of the weather and longer days.
SHIRLEY EVANS
love to sit in the garden with a glass of wine and a good book
A.E. ADKINS
Breakfasting in the garden just because I can”
A.E. ADKINS
Breakfasting in the garden just because I can”
karen watt
love summer beach days with my family
LEE HARDY
I love taking time off work & going away with family & forgetting about normal work routine.
emma walters
i love aug/sept when my hayfever has gone and i can sit in the garden in the evening reading a book
Rebecca Howells (@PeanutHog)
The weather (when it is nice). The sun and the heat – always makes me feel a bit better and happier. The days seems longer and you can spend more time outside in the fresh air.
michael howe
Looks like a great rpize hope i win
Pam Smith
I love sitting in the garden, sipping an I’ve cold cider and playing my ukulele
Varun Manoj
two words- ice cream
CHRISTINE SUTHERLAND
Taking my grand children on outings to the coast and to parks
Barbara Knight
I love the longer days and being able to sit out in the garden for longer.
Sarah Lee
The longer evenings and spending more time outdoors
Greig spencer
LOVE GOING TO THE SEASIDE WITH MY FAMILY AND EATING FISH AND CHIPS
Vicki Violet Morris
Family BBQs with all the family and days out with my fiance and his son 🙂
Jodie Harvey
i love spending more time outdoors with my 6 children, we love to pack up a picnic and take a walk over cannock chase
katrina adams
I love the long evening walks you can take because it isn’t dark really early. I love sitting out in the garden with an ice cold drink and enjoying a book while soaking up the sun.
michelle speight
i love fact we can get outdoors more its great
Ema
I’d be SO happy to win this!
Daniel Coles
Warm(er) days and lighter night, so we can get friends round and have a drink and a BBQ
Geoff Hibbert
I love walking in the park and listening to the Morning Chorus
Nicola Hoare
The thing I love about summer is how the day gets longer. I love how I can finish work and it still be sunny and warm so I can go out on my bike, or for a walk in the park, I don’t feel like its time for bed as soon as I get in LOL
Christine Caple
I love the warmth and relaxing in the sun
Susan Hoggett
being able to get out in the garden, I love gardening!
Allan Wilson
Being able to jump on the horse and go for a long ride with the dogs alongside.
Kim Styles
I love walking in the woods with the family and dog its great quality time and there is always something new to see in the summer
Sandra Clarke
In summer I love getting up early when it’s really quiet and listening to the birds. I enjoy pottering about in my garden and warm summer evenings, being able to sit outside.
Donna Caldwell
I love all the yummy salads and outdoor eating , we love sitting out in the evenings with the fire pit lit watching the stars come out
Laura Harrison
Days on the beach with my family and having barbecues with my family drinking cider xxx
carole n
i love the longer days and sitting out in the evening
michael henshaw
deckchairs and real ale.
Ben Audsley
i love seeing my freinds and having a bbq in the summer!
Joanna Ford
I love the fact that my cats, Ginny and Percy, nap in he flower borders whilst I’m pottering about in the garden 🙂
philip
going to the seaside and buying an icecream
Laura Pritchard
I love the long warm evenings when you can get out for a walk or sit in the garden with a book/drink.
Kelly Ellen Hirst
I love being able to eat outside – it’s such a sociable season too for picnics & BBQs
david cavender
having a bbq with friends & family in the garden
Helen Malcolm
The long days, lying in the garden in the sun. No need for socks!
Janice W
Blue skies and warm Summer breezes
Julie Ward
Shorts, t’shirts, sandals and walks up a super park near home with grandchildren, only costs an ice cream
Louise A
I love the burst of life in the garden and the warm breeze.
Katherine Morris
Enjoying a Thatchers Cider in a pub garde. Lush!
Candyfloss
The thing I love best about summer is time off work.
beryl johnson
I love the long light warm evenings but unfortunately we don’t get many that are warm
Tracy Newton
Using the garden as an extension of our home.
Rebecca Cusick
Nice family days out and being able to spend time.in the garden!
Amanda Botterill
I love the way that everyone is happy when the sun is shining
Rachel McMillan
Eating outside, chilling with friends and relaxing down the beach
Sayeed Rahman
The longer days, the sunshine, blue skies and no thoughts of winter
Kelly townsend
Fab giveaway, would love to put my feet up xx
VV
I love the long evenings, inviting friends and family round for a bbq.
Kimberley Ryan
I love spending more time in the garden with my little ones, collecting the fruit and general gardening
Denise Cross
I love going away in the caravan and then spending the days geocaching with hubby and then relaxing in the evening
Tasha
I love the light warmer evenings so I can sit outside and relax
kenneth lamb
what i love about summer is being able to sit in my garden and watch the plants grow! perfect in the sun with a book
irene gilmour
we love to eating in garden hubby loves to cook on his BBQ
Lea Mavin
Going camping with friends and family, I also love the light evenings.
Tricia Cowell
I love being able to have picnics in the park with my Grandsons. They would have an equally good time splashing in puddles if it rained, but I love a bit of sunshine
Andy Kadir-Buxton
A chance to show off my smoothie punch invention. Just add coke, lemonade, and vodka to any liquidized fruit you choose from a pile. Great.
Ems
Evenings are so much lighter for longer, so we can go for a walk after work and sit outside at our local with a nice Thatchers cider
Helen W
The thing I love most about summer is eating ice cream in the sunshine.
Elaine Kirby
Family barbeques and outdoor games with the kiddiwinks
Stevie
I love getting the paddling pool, hose pipe and a beer out in the sunshine.
Katie B
Cider, bbq’s and the beach
EJ Dunn
I love not having to work (I’m a teacher)
Ali Fanstone
I love spending time with my grandchildren, playing in the garden and taking them on trips out.
Lee Edwards
Spending time with my family and friends and get as much sun as possible!
Kerry Locke
I love the long summer evenings .. when the kids can play out till late and I can sit in the sun with a nice glass of cider!
Laura-Jane Baker
Being able to go on picnics in the park with my family
Alison Bruce
I love to be able to sit outside for meals and drinks, enjoying the sunshine and all the plants in the garden.
Mia Jade Fergusson
I love the warmth, the pretty flowers and i love having BBQ’s in the sun.
Susan B
I love everything about summer except the nasty insects that come into my house when I fling open the doors and windows. But most of all, I love summer for better food and a better social life as eating outside is such a joy.
Jane
Windows and patio doors open all day and long light nights for reading and enjoying.
jo liddement
Love having the windows open in the summer and being able to sit out in the garden and feel some warmth on my skin.
Laura Corrigan
Lighter evenings and spending the evenings outdoors
allison mary
what i love most about summer is being able to enjoy the nice weather with my grandchildren . there are more things to do with them in summer. @Amtree201
Terri-Louise Dudey
Love being in the garden and planting veg with my children and also days out xx
Soph H
I love afternoons in beer gardens (hopefully in the sunshine!)
Laura Corrall
Family Time – The summer means the 6 weeks off school so I have both of my little ladies with me. We spend a lot of time in the garden and I can watch them play and do some gardening and see the wildlife too.
James Harris
I love being able to dry washing on the line – makes life so much easier!
Stephanie Whitehouse
I love seeing the benefit of all the hard work in the garden – lots of colour and growth to enjoy
valerie cooper
I love about summer is being able to sit in the garden when you get home from work and it is still light xxx
richell lever
my girls love picnics in the garden, slthough its just earing their usual lunch or dinner outside), but it seems special to them!
helen w
Getting my washing dried on the line in the garden comes back in smelling gorgeous and other than that not a lot i am photosensitive and get covered in blisters so have to hide most of the summer indoors
Pip Bennett
The best thing about summer, for me, is sitting outside first thing in the morning with a cup of tea and just listening to the birds singing; it puts things into perspective for me and sets me up for the day 🙂
claire woods
I love being able to get out in the sun..we can go to more places that are outdoors and have fun.
Kay
Family days out and bbqs
Kate Knight
I love having BBQs in the garden with cider and Pimms
Debbie Winstanley
Long light evenings in the garden and barbeques
Sheila Sloan
Family get-togethers in the garden and, hopefully, the sun.
LESLEY BRADLEY
I love the feel of the sun on my skin, so much better than shivering and wrapping up!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
OMG! This cake looks divine! You had me at the salted caramel drizzle.
angela jones
relaxing, sitting out in the back garden when it is sunny
Lisa Wilkinson
Being able to sit in the garden until late in the evening.
Emma
When it’s still not dark at 9pm and the optimism that it’s going to be a good summer.
Ian robinson
I love being able to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Exmoor without having to wear lots of layers of clothing,. Also sitting out and having a cool Thatchers of course
Sassie Clarke
Sitting outside in the evening, enjoying a cool refreshing drink watching the sunset over the hill
Carly Belsey
I’m a big kid and I love taking the kids down to the beach in the hot sun and getting on their bodyboards and gliding through the waves on my tummy! They love spending time with me down there 🙂
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
SALTED CIDER CARAMEL?! My gosh, you’re a genius. My favourite thing about summer is the warm weather! 🙂
Hazel Rea
I love the smell of the local PYO strawberry fields, the Hapil strawberries they grow (not available in supermarkets as they don’t travel well but the flavour is out of his world), bodyboarding in warm sea, relaxing in the garden on balmy evenings, and washing drying outside in the sunshine.
Beky Austerberry
BBQs with the family and time spent together on the lighter evenings- making memories.
Tunde Toth
I love seaside holidays with my husband and baking strawberry pies from the fruit picked in our little garden.
David Edge
Being able to sleep at night with the windows open!
Keith Hunt
We make lots of fruit cake with berrys from the garden.
Zach Hudson
Sleeping outside in my man cave under the stars
Holly
Fantastic comp! And that cake looks absolutely delish! Would love some now with my coffee! @lovepopsie
leanne weir
I love the long nights, the bbqs, playing out with the kids
Tracy Hughes
I enjoy thinking about the nights out, sitting in a garden, drinking with friends.
Becky John
The light nights and the smell of freshly mown grass
lyn
lots of lovely days out and enjoying our garden
Emily Hutchinson
I love being able to use the garden, I feel like an extra room in my house has opened up
Sam Swain
I love spending the holidays playing with the kids in the garden and relaxing with family and friends.
Steve Dickinson
Eating and drinking outdoors without freezing to death
Iris W
I love that the kids are off and we can have family days out and the light and warm evenings sitting on the patio with a glass of wine
Henry Little
sitting in the garden enjoying the warmth on your skin
Mark R
Light evenings so that I can garden after work, and harvesting home grown tomatoes
Krzysia
Summer for me is all about my plants. I love to potter in my English cottage garden surveying the beautiful trees and flowers; apples, pears, apricots, plums, cherries, roses, delphiniums, peonies, foxgloves, clematis, lilies etc. I prefer a slightly cooler temperature and especially enjoy Summer rain. It’s so refreshing and the plants love it 🙂 x
Alison Johnson
Sitting on my swing seat in my garden looking at my flowers & idly reading a book.
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi)
I love getting to spend more time with family, and chance to get out and visit places.
Emma Watson
I love lazy, hazy days in Summer, the sound of the breeze rustling through trees, water lapping on the beach, ice cold refreshing drinks, barbeques….most of all, I love spending the summer outside.
Kirsteen Mackay
I love going cycling with my children and spending more time outdoors.
Emily Knight
It’s the season of holidays, long evenings and hot weather – what’s not to love? 🙂
Danielle pooley
I love the trips to the park & seafront with my little boy. Oh and the family BBQs are lovely.
Sophie B
Best thing about a British Summer is it’s unpredictable weather……..come rain, come shine, we ALWAYS KNOW how to party.
Sophie B
Best thing about a British Summer is it’s unpredictable weather……..come rain, come shame, we ALWAYS KNOW how to party.
emmaellams
I love taking long walks with my husband, usually ending in a pub lunch!
Alison Joyce
The long days and the chance to get out in the sunshine
Helen Stratton
Having the kids at home for 6 weeks and getting up to some great adventures.
Claire Davies
I love listening to sea gulls, the walks along our local beach, making daisy chains and peonies!
katrina walsh
Bike rides with the family stopping off to buy ice lollies from village stores on our travels
Amanda Dunn
I love the long summer nights and being able to sit outside in the sun with my morning coffee 🙂
Rachel Butterworth
I love taking my dog on nice long walks in the countryside.
corinne peat (@corinne555)
The longer, warmer nights spent with family. Trips to the beach, long walks and picnics.
Valerie Seal
I love sitting in the garden
Donna W
I love long lazy days, outdoors with good friends and family, good food and drinks, making happy memories. :0)
Amber Rossi
Watching my veggies grow and eating them freshly picked!
Judith Allen
I love the scent of roses and honeysuckle in the garden. The swifts screaming as they soar
Christina
oh my days!!! I have recently turned veggie and came across your blog whilst searching on google. I seriously love this recipe!!! I love being outside in the summer and I love the gorgeous evening light you get before sunset
Hayley Lynch
I adore being out in my garden or going for long country or coastal walks
Valerie Seal
I love sitting in the garden in the summer
Astra coath
I love the beautiful sunshine, the smell of distant barbecues and that everyone seems happier!!
Victoria Thurgood
i love sunny days out with my kids
Karen Jones
Longer days and enjoying a Cider in the sun
Maria P
the sunshine, warmer days and the huge family bbqs
Tina Hewitt
Spending time outdoors with my lovely granddaughters, paddling in the pool, playing with water bombs and pistols, or just pottering around the garden
Liane Amos
Horseriding in the sunshine
Bob Clark
The light evenings and loads of warm weather and sunshine – hopefully
Katie Sharman
Long days spent in the garden with friends, family and children. Followed by a long cold cider when the children go to bed!!!
Michaela Hannah
I love the long light nights meaning we can go out for walks after work or relax in the garden
Tamsin Dean
the fun times as we manage to get out and about a lot more and the day trips to the seaside with the kids
Karen S
Getting out in the sun on the allotment growing fruit, veg and flowers
Clair Dukes
I love going for picnics in the sunshine.
The Summer is the perfect time for me to enjoy the Coast.
Louise Lamb
I love summer adventures in the sun, a often in the rain. I love building memories with my family to last us through winter.
Christine Sunter
I love getting out in my garden and greenhouse and growing my plants. I just wish the sun would shine a bit more!
Jen Schofield
I love being able to eat outside in the evenigs
Cora Harrison
I love being able to do more stuff outside and going on holiday.
m knight
A lazy sunday in the garden with a good book and a glass of Thatchers
gemma brown
family picnics, watching my boys play around and looking for insects
Sean Moore
Great prize! Lovely
Ruth Harwood
Summer is the time I don’t need a coat or carddigan and can sit out in the evening with my mates and some beers xx
sarah fielding
Looking forward to lots of bbqs and getting to see more of my family!
tracy james
i love family and friend bbqs
Lindsay Taylor
The long summer holiday – I work in a school!
kelly mobbs
I enjoy sitting in the garden in the sun, with a BBQ and a few ciders to set the scene
Colin Pike
The lighter evenings and the few days of good weather.
Debbie Gilbert
Barbeques and picnics – time spent with family and friends in the sun
Michelle Ferguson
I love sunny days, having family BBQ’s and having time off work to go on holiday
PETER CUMPSTONE
Has to be the sunshine!
darren hay
I love summer because I love the warm evenings and having BBQ’s and cold beers with friends
Sarah Birkett
OPEN WINDOWS. drying outside, and going out without a jacket
charlotte
i love not having to wear a coat and all the summer fruits you can eat mm
Simon tutthill
It has to be out and about enjoying the great British countryside
Maxine G
a chance to have some time off work with the family.
Kerry Kilmister
I love summer because I love the long days, the picnics and the days out exploring the countryside
Angela Walker
I love warm sunshine and bright blue skies
Angela Walker
I love warm sunshine
Michael Griffin
Drinking chilled cider on the verandah of the summer house
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I am not sure the cider would make it in to the cake if I was making it, as I would drink it all. Post baby of course.
That drizzle sounds amazing too!
Laura Jeffs
What I love most about summer is the chance to enjoy my beautiful garden
Rich Tyler
Summer Festivals – good times!
Julie Perry
Just to sit in the garden and feel the sun on my face
DEBBIE DAVIES
I love that everyone is in a much better mood and more sociable! xx
Melissa Lee
I love being able to walk around without a coat on all of the time
delphine
i love the long evening
Margaret McLaughlin
I love sitting in my garden, relaxing in the sun, having a delicious BBQ with ice cold drinks just ‘hitting the spot’
No matter whether its quiet or busy with family or friends its going to be a prefect day
Celso Gomes
The extra hours of sunlight. Leaving the local pub at 9.30pm with the sun shining on you is great.
Peter Hewitt
Chillin in the garden with a long cold drink (tho this summer chance would be a fine thing”
Julie Smith
I love paddling in the sea on a lovely summers day, feeling the sand squish under your feet and the smell of the sea air ????????
Marycarol
Love the long clear evenings, being able to get up in the morning and its not pitch dark outside and love being able to sit in the garden with friends x
ipswichmum
I love warm days and bbqs and beach trips and wearing t-shirt/shorts rather than jumpers and jeans and ice-cold drinks and freezing cold air conditioning in the car and just the more relaxed feelings that come with the warmer weather and sun.
ann parkinson
i love the smell of line dried washing & getting out to do a bit of gardening in the sun
Samantha Fernley
I love the languid days pottering in the garden or allotment, bringing something that I’ve grown in to cook with. Love the sounds in the neighbourhood too, people having BBQ’s and lawnmowers whirring away.
Angie Allen
Family days out by the seaside
Katie M
I love long walks around London, discovering new places and then ending up in new pubs relaxing with a pint of cider 🙂
Lisa Robinson
ABBQ in the sun with friends, with ice cold beversges in hand!
Ellie Wood
I love lying in the grass and reading a good book
Marc Chivers
I love having time off with the kids
Sophia
Going on long walks with the family
karen taylor
I love the extra daylight hours in summer….being able to come in from work and spending an hour pottering in the garden with a relaxing reward of an ice cold Thatchers on the decking: )
Rena Plumridge
Longer days lovely weather
Alison Murphy
Icy glasses of cider in the sun…when we’re luck enough to get any lol!
John Tingay
Sitting in the beer garden of a lovely country pub watching the sun set.
rebecca sharp
I love sitting in the garden with the sun going down, bbq going, Thatchers in hand, great company.
glenn hutton
We love the warmer weather and the longer, brighter days
Stephanie Harrison
Long light days where you can really enjoy getting outside in the sunshine
Lisa Buckley
Going for beach BBQs with friends after work, good food, good company, great location!
Solange
I love the warmer weather and longer days.
janine atkin
i love sitting in the garden on an evening and just chilling
LOUISE GAZELEY
Warm Weathe , Cool Cider, Perfect Picnics, Family Fun !!
maria blythin
nice summer bbqs with the family x
gemma raines
sitting on the field near my house and over looking the river ith my sunnies a good book picnic and maybe a cheeky drink 🙂
Lindsay McPhee
Frosty cider in the sun!
Sara Goodman
Going out very early in the morning and during the early evening. The nicest times of the day in my view.
Thanks for a fabulous giveaway x
Emily
I’ve never heard of a cake like this before, how unique! I’m a big fan of salted caramel though!
laura stewart
i like that you can spend more hours outside x
Michelle lintern
Long summer evenings in the garden
jennifer thorpe
I enjoy the longer days and spending time in the garden with a gin & tonic 🙂
Margaret Clarkson
Being able to spend lots of time outside, eating in the garden and relaxing outside.
Lisa Houston
Getting outside with the children. Long walks in thewoods, sitting at the park reading while they play. Or just chilling in the garden
kellyjo walters
picnics in the garden
Fiona Martin
I love eating in the garden with the family and going out for the day taking a picnic with us.
Maxine Owen
I love being able to sit outside and relax with a good book.
Katie Kingsbury
Being off for 6 weeks and travelling as much as I can.
liz ferguson
I always look forward to spending time in my garden over the summer, seeing all the flowers and getting my veggies growing!
Lynn Heath
I love being outside, watching the kids run up and down and family BBQS, food tastes better outside!!!!!
Nat Thomason
Spending time in the garden with my rabbit cookie and chillaxing in the sun
Hannah Ingham
I love spending more time with friends and family, having long walks and tasty picnics!
Kerry Purves
The best thing about summer is watching my kids having fun, running around and splashing water!
Iona Cornish
Sailing with my Grandchildren, long light nights and suntans
Maggie Coates
I like the long evenings, the warm weather, sunshine and flowers.
samantha price
a complete day when it isn’t raining and the sun eventually comes out to play
Bex Allum
Spending precious time with my family
Ian Bradley
After work, sitting back relaxing in the garden with family and cider. Spot on.
Rachel Craig
Some dry weather and sunshine. As it encourages us to get outdoors into the fresh air. A nice walk on the beach. Salads, ice-cream etc.
Chris S
I love the long daylight hours that give me the chance to potter in the garden after work and let me get the washing dry on the line.
Glenn Marvell-James
Heavy rain aftera hot summers day, the fresh small
Susan Naylor
I love to wake early and watch the sun rise.
michelle smith
summer bbqs with friends and family
Sarah Mackay
Being able to get out on my kayak
Paula Barker
Being able to leave the back door open during the warm evenings
Amanda
Eating and drinking in the garden and watching my plants bloom
lucy higgins
my favourite thing is sitting out in my garden in the evenings and you can hear the birds and its really peaceful and pretty with all the roses in bloom
Emily Clark
I love the freshness in the air, it’s so lovely!
christine shelley
Long warm evenings , sat on the balcony of our Devon Flat especially when the Folk Festival is on
Ms Suan Watts
Long Summer evenings lazing in the garden enjoying the perfume from the plants with a glass of wine
Barbara Rayner
I love eating all my meals in the garden from breakfast, lunch and evening meal.
ElizM
long school holidays and lots and lots of time to do whatever we want
valerie harbut
I love BBQs and eating al fresco with friends, with family – and a bottle of Thatchers!
Richard Sober
long, lazy hot days with a good book
Susan Laing
I can feel all my fingers and toes
Heather T
I love the lighter nights, keeping the curtains open & not having to put the lights on
Kim M
Love picnics and meals in the garden, so far not doing very well on that front with all the rain – sunshine soon please x
ROBERT MCINTOSH
I love the smell of new cut grass – especially when it is all finished! 🙂
Kristy Leanne Brown
I love eating bbq in the garden with the kids playing and the hubby cooking
Lindsey Stuart
I love the summer, I enjoy being able to spend time in my garden, I find being out in the garden is very relaxing!
BBQ’s in the garden with my family is lovely too.
Christine Dodd
The chance to potter in the garden in the evenings: deadheading and watering
Joy B
Sunshine, the longer days, bbqs, picnics and ice cream.
helen tovell
I love being able to eat alfresco more often in the summer
Honey McKinley
Lighter evenings, warm weather, good excuse to have ice cream, scent of flowers and cut grass in the air, not having to take a coat/jacket when I go out.
jules eley
I love eating outside with family it all seems so much more relaxing and enjoyable 🙂
Steven Knight
Perfect for a summer evening in the garden
Alvina Boyd
Sitting on my patio surrounded by my plants
Dawn Brodribb
picnics, BBQ’s, walks along the beach at sunset. I just love the long evenings
Neil Dobson
I love to sit in the garden with an ice cold cider.
Carolynn Woodland
Mostly I love the warmer weather and being able to wear light clothing
A
I love not getting too cold and I love the long days; they’re what I miss the most in winter.
Debby
I love reading in the garden, watching the garden wildlife rear their young, sunbathing in my hammock and lovely BBQs on sunny days or warm evenings. We also like to take the kayak out on the lake or down the river, gently paddling and observing birds nesting on the island – we also take some food and some extra carrier bags to collect the rubbish we find on the water or bits of the bank we can reach (it’s still surprising just how much litter, bottles, cans and other stuff we find, thrown in by inconsiderate people, but that’s another rant!) Fingers crossed.
Paula Readings
I like sitting in the garden with the dog with all the doors & windows open until it gets dark.
chris bull
Picnics in our lovely local park, and if the weather doesn’t permit we have picnics on the living room floor 🙂
Hekna
I just love spending time going out for walks and trips to the park with my little ones. It’s nice to come home from work while it’s still light too!
KATHY D
WARM, lIGHT EVENINGS WHERE YOU CAN RELAX IN THE GARDEN WITH A LONG COOL DRINK
Laura Nice
Lots of family bbq’s and having all the family round! 🙂
Laura Nice
Lots of family bbq’s and having all the family round!
Phil Morris
Lounging in a deckchair … drinking cider. This is the competition for me ! No other entries permitted.
BERNIE EGERTON
THE LIGHTER LONGER DAYS
Abigail Cullen
I love the summer, because I can go out for long walks and sit out and relax in the garden.
Laura Chapman
I love being able to get out into the garden in summer and work on my vegetable patch. I also love seeing friends and sitting in a beer garden with a nice glass of wine with the sun shining on my face! Bliss.
tracey hunt
enjoying the sunshine going to the beach, and being able to enjoy it with my son
kris
having bbq in the garden with drinks and family & friends. lovely 🙂
Tracy Gladman
My nice long holiday from working at school and being able to spend time outside with the family.
carly taylor
I love not having to wear a coat! or carry one around! although I do need a umbrella this summer! silly weather!
Kavey
This cake looks so incredibly good. I love apple cakes, I think they often get overlooked as boring but they are so delicious and make best of our homegrown harvest too.
Katie Bryson (@cookingkt)
I love how life slows down a bit as you can just sit outside with a chilled drink and just chat with friends and family and watch the world go by. Your cake looks phenomenal…. I love apply cider bakes… yummers. Just spotted you’re a fellow Bestival blogger… hope we can catch up while we’re there sampling the eats 🙂
Ray Dodds
Love watching cricket in warm weather with a good real ale to quaff
Andrew Petrie
I love watching cricket on the village green with a picnic and a cool box of decent drinks.
zandra higgs
Love proper cider
Michelle O'Neill
i love being able to spend more time with my grandaughter
David Paterson
Long lazy summer evenings with tasty family barbecues
melanie stirling
I love being able to sit outside in the sunshine with an ice cream.
Lorraine Tinsley
I love being able to drive to and from work in daylight. I detest the winter, I just feel depressed living in the dark and cold all the time
Mary Chez
The warmer weather so i can get out into the garden
Louise Comb
I have a strange relationship with summer. I don’t like it when it’s too hot. And yet, I love the summer because people always seem happier, and I think I am too. I think it’s the long daylight hours, and the blue skies 🙂
Caroline H
The summer nights and the extra light has to be the best thing for me. I feel so much more energised and motivated to get things done.
Sue Price
I love the light nights so we can get outside as a family more. Love beach walks & swimming in the sea ☺️
Emma H
It’s got to be enjoying an ice cream at the seaside while looking at the sandcastle I’ve bulid
Robyn Seviour
Enjoying all the hard work ive put in to my garden, by relaxing on a lounger under a tree
Angela Treadway
Just the hot summer days where you can have nice long walks x
pete c
the lighter nights, warmer weather and people are more cheerful!
Tania Atfield
I love long evening walks with my hubby and dog
Susan Smith
Love having the grandkids, having that quality time and doing lots of fun things together
Sarah N
I really enjoy the lighter evenings as we get to play outside more with the family, and sit outside, rather than being stuck in the house all the time
iain maciver
being outdoors in the glorious sunshine chilling out with a nice cold cider or two
Sarah Morris
Sitting in a pub garden on a summers evening, in the countryside, with a nice chilled drink and a bag of crisps to snack on.
Jo Jones
I love long mild days when the BBQ can come out & we can entertain friends & family in our garden
niall O'Grady
The blue sky and the warmer weather
Emma Nixon
Spending time in the garden. Once the gardening is done i can relax with a good book and a few covktails. Bliss.
Jo Young
I love being able to wear my shorts, going on holiday and seeing my garden bloom!
Rosalind Sargent
I love the fact that every one is smiling and Happy in the summer time probably too much cider
Lynne Durkin
Love the longer nights and being able to have the windows and patio open during the day. Garden is more sorted out this year too so I can see and enjoy the plants x
Jo
Being able to sit and eat outside in the warm evening sun
Matthew P
i like the hot weather and nice hot sunny days
Matt McAndrew
Usually the beautiful weather. That doesn’t really apply this year!
Julie T
Lazing about, tinkering in the garden and enjoying a cool cider in the sunshine.
lisa evans
I love wearing shorts and flip flops, the lighter nights are also a bonus!
S Bufton
Sitting in the garden on a long summer evening
julie kenny
I love feeling the sun on the back of my neck and the grass between my toes!
mike williams
Everything from the long hours of daylight to the short nights
Phil Darling
I love long lazy sundays with the family at the beach – happy days
C Kennedy
Getting to walk my dogs in the sunshine and not having to lug a coat around everywhere!
Jim Milligan
Just to be able to sit out in the fresh air and enjoy a picnic
laura banks
chilling in the garden with the family having a bbq
Gerry Kelly
The bright evenings, summer smells – cut grass and barbecues and being able to sit in the garden with a cold cider!
Suzanne
Relaxing in the garden with family and friends and enjoying the long light evenings.
Mary Heald
I love the birdsong in the morning and the light evenings
Frances H
If we ever have a summer in this country, I love putting all my sweaters away and finally wearing all those summer purchases that have been in my wardrobe since last year or the year before!
Tracey Peach
The long light days they make me feel so much better 🙂
Camilla @FabFood4All
I love the blue skies, the flowers, foraging and relaxing in the garden in summer with a nice glass of cider:-) Your cake looks divine Kate, would really like to dive into the computer right now and grab a slice!
angela b
long light summer evenings lounging in the garden with an ice-cold drink
michelle thompson
the sun family get togethers , music and chilling out
Louise A
A few things I like best about summer are – being able to go bare legged, being able to dry my hair naturally outside without the use of a hairdryer, long days, eating alfresco, walking the dogs at the beach without freezing to death lol
Karen R
I love not having to wear so many clothes 🙂
abigail aris
Best thing about summer is BBQ’s. Cant beat a good BBQ with a cider in hand. I also love all the fresh produce my dad grows, it lasts for ages.
Paul Wilson
Things to eat growing in the garden.
Emma Gibson
I love being able to do more stuff outside and going on holiday.
Chrissie Curtis
I love catching up with family and friends on summer evenings. Enjoying good food!
Summer Evenings are my Favourite!
Hannah Owen
Felling the sun on my skin and drying my washing on the line!
Rachel Pitts
Taking the dog to the river to swim while I paddle on a sunny day
Paula Gwynne
I am looking forward to my camping holiday in the New Forest with my family
Zoe C
I love the family days out, taking a picnic and going somewhere to relax for the day
clair downham
having family bbqs thankyou
Tracy Nixon
I love eating alfresco and being able to dry my washing on the line!
Claire @foodiequine
Lazy, hazy, crazy days drinking Cider in the sunshine!