This simple apple dessert combines all the best pudding bits in a single bake that's sweet and saucy on the bottom, fluffy in the middle and crunchy on top.
Pre-heat the oven to 190ºC. In a small bowl, soak the sultanas in the spiced rum and set aside. Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin wedges. Grease a small glass rectangular baking dish (20 x 15 cm).
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, then add the apples, butter and sugar. Cook until they begin to caramelise, tossing them to ensure they colour evenly. Tip in the sultanas and rum, then cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the apples are tender.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Set aside to cool.
Pudding
Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat for a further 30 seconds. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a spoonful of the flour with the second egg. Fold in the remaining flour and lemon zest with a metal spoon, alternately with the milk, adding just enough to get a dropping consistency.
Spoon the pudding mixture carefully over the apples, then sprinkle with flaked almonds and a little more demerara sugar if you wish. Put the cake in the oven and immediately lower the temperature to 170ºC. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with cream or vanilla ice cream.