Roast apple, sultana, pecan and fennel seed loaf cake

Joan Ransley October 8, 2025

This is a beautiful recipe from Dee Rettali’s book Baking with Fortitude. Sourdough cakes and bakes. Published by Bloomsbury.

Courgette loaf cake with lemon topping

Joan Ransley August 12, 2023

If you need to put a cake on the table quickly this is the one and it is seasonal too. A simple base of sunflower oil, soft brown sugar and eggs are whisked together before folding in grated courgette, walnuts, spices and flour. The topping is a heavenly floss of mascarpone and Greek yogurt, spiked with lemon zest, and sweetened with a little icing sugar. White currant berries are in season now and make a jewel like flourish to this statement cake.

Plum and almond cake

Joan Ransley July 26, 2023

This is a great to have up your sleeve for when you need a pudding or cake to put on the table for family or friends. The cake freezes well. I like putting two of the small loaf versions in the freezer. One serves 4-6 with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of fruit purée and there is another one stored for later.

Pressed fruit and nut bar

Joan Ransley January 25, 2022

This delicious, no cook, pressed fruit and nut bar contains a nutritious selection of ingredients including dates, seeds, oats, nuts, and dark chocolate. It is high in protein and fibre and does not contain added sugar. It would be delicious served with coffee and, perfect for taking along on a cold winter walk.

Pecan dark chocolate brownie

Joan Ransley November 7, 2021

This is one of our go to brownie recipes. I photographed this recipe for Doves Farm but have since adapted the recipe slightly. Just to make it quicker to make and a little less rich. I like the chewy, boozy prunes and the combination of macadamia and pecan nuts together with dark, dark chocolate. Just a note - soak the prunes if you can in any alcoholic beverage. Brandy, grappa, kirsch all work. I have also made this recipe with plain and self raising flour. Both work.