Baking Friendship: UK and Kharkiv Join Hands for National Apple Day
By Mark, 11, Jill Dando News Correspondent
Something sweet is happening this October! On Tuesday 21 October, to mark National Apple Day in the UK, people in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset will be joining children in Kharkiv, Ukraine to bake a very special treat — the Ukrainian Apple Charlotte.
This heartwarming event is part of the growing friendship between Weston’s Mini Ukrainian Library, based at Worle Campus Library, and the Central Children’s Library in Kharkiv’s Novobavarskyi District.
It’s a simple idea with a big message: that even in difficult times, children and families across the world can share joy, food, and hope.
“Apples are a symbol of Somerset and of Ukraine,” explained Becky, from the Worle Campus Library team. “They represent warmth, home, and tradition — so it felt like the perfect way to celebrate our friendship.”
The recipe for the Ukrainian Apple Charlotte comes from the children’s book “Apple Charlotte, Baked in the Mountains” by Sasha Voitsekhivska — a beautiful story about war, childhood, and hope.
The book gently shows how family traditions, like baking together, can bring comfort even during hard times.
Sasha herself spoke at the opening of Weston’s Mini Ukrainian Library earlier this year, and she will be delighted to see the photos shared by families and children taking part.
Anyone can join in the celebration:
1. Bake your own Apple Charlotte on or around 21 October – you can use Sasha’s recipe or your own family favourite.
2. Take a picture of your cake.
3. Share it on social media or send it to the Mini Ukrainian Library in Weston.
And if you’re wondering what goes into a Ukrainian Apple Charlotte, it’s as delicious as it sounds: apples, eggs, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla — finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
So whether you’re baking in Somerset or Kharkiv, this National Apple Day is all about celebrating friendship, resilience, and the simple joy of sharing something homemade.
As Becky puts it, “Even though we’re far apart, we can still make something beautiful — together.”
RECIPE FOR APPLE CAKE
200g all purpose flour
200g sugar
5 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 apples depending on size
Pinch of salt
Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 and grease a large, shallow dish.
Peel the apples and cut into small cubes.
Beat all five eggs in a large bowl. Add sugar, salt and vanilla sugar.
Preferably using an electric mixer, beat the mixture well (for at least five minutes!). It needs to be well blended and smooth.
Siff the flour well and carefully add to the sugar and egg mixture, taking care not to knock all of the air out.
Spead half of the mixture into the dish and spread half the apple onto the mixture. Then spread the remaining mixture on and then the remaining apples on top.
Bake in the middle of the pre-heated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean of cake batter.
Cool for at least 30 minutes and then sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
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