Step 1

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).

Step 2

Grease and line a 21 cm / 9" springform cake pan. (Note 4)

Step 3

Place flour, baking soda, salt and spices in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Step 4

Whisk oil and sugar in a bowl, then whisk in eggs and vanilla.

Step 5

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix with a wooden spoon until JUST combined. Stir through apple (optional: add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or other nuts).

Step 6

Pour into cake pan. Sprinkle over almonds.

Step 7

Bake for 50 minutes - 1 hr. Check at 50 minutes - it is cooked when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 8

Cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool. Dust with icing sugar if using, then serve. This cake doesn't need cream or ice cream because it is so moist, but I wouldn't turn it down!