The Best Irish Apple Cake Recipe: A Sweet Taste of Tradition

Baking an authentic irish apple cake brings pure joy to any kitchen gathering.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and fresh apples will soon fill your home with warmth.

Generations of families in ireland have perfected this delightful dessert through careful recipe passing.

Crisp autumn afternoons feel magical when creating traditional treats that connect us to cultural roots.

Soft crumbles and tender fruit create a delectable experience that feels both comforting and special.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something extraordinary, making this cake more than just a dessert.

Irish Apple Cake: Classic and Comforting

• Savor Cultural Heritage: Dive into a traditional Irish dessert that brings generations of family recipes to life with its authentic flavors and comforting warmth.
• Master Baking Simplicity: Craft a stunning cake with basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute without stress.
• Customize with Seasonal Delight: Transform this recipe by switching apple varieties or adding seasonal spices, making it a versatile treat for year-round enjoyment.
• Impress with Homemade Elegance: Create a restaurant-quality dessert that looks sophisticated but requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for gatherings or weekend treats.

Ingredients for Irish Apple Cake

• Butter: A rich ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Milk: Contributes to the cake's moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help the cake rise during baking.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the cake its basic form.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a classic flavor to the cake.
• Streusel Topping – Flour, Oats, Sugar, Salt: Creates a crunchy, sweet layer on top of the cake.
• Butter: Helps bind the streusel ingredients and provides a rich, crumbly texture.

• Milk: Forms the base of the creamy custard sauce.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the sauce.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with its classic sweet notes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the custard's flavor.

Baking Guide for Irish Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using a paddle attachment until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes on medium-high speed.

Add vanilla, milk, and eggs, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Apples

Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring an even distribution. Aim for a balanced ratio where apples and batter are equally represented.

Step 5: Fill Cake Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.

Step 6: Add Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping generously over the cake batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45-50 minutes. The streusel should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle with warm custard sauce.

Streusel Topping

Step 1: Mix Dry Streusel Ingredients

• Flour
• Oats
• Sugar
• Salt

Cut butter into small cubes and toss with the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Create Streusel Texture

Use your fingers to rub butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Chill Streusel

Refrigerate the streusel until ready to use on the cake.

Custard Sauce

Step 1: Heat Milk

In a medium saucepan, heat milk and salt over medium heat until it steams, being careful not to boil.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick.

Step 3: Temper Eggs

Slowly whisk the steaming milk into the egg mixture to gradually warm the eggs.

Step 4: Cook Custard

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Finish Custard

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Serve warm over the cake.

Tips to Achieve Perfect Irish Apple Cake

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your Irish apple cake.
• Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration before mixing into the batter.
• Use cold butter and work quickly with your fingers to create a crumbly streusel topping that adds delightful crunch and texture.
• Whisk continuously while cooking the custard sauce to prevent scrambling and achieve a smooth, silky texture that perfectly complements the cake.
• Insert a toothpick near the center to test for complete baking, ensuring the cake is moist but not undercooked.

Variations on Traditional Irish Apple Cake

• Rustic Berry Burst: Replace diced apples with a mix of fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a vibrant, summery cake that bursts with fruity flavors.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Swap streusel topping with caramelized pecans and walnuts, creating a rich, crunchy layer that adds depth and warmth to the classic cake.
• Spiced Autumn Harvest: Incorporate diced pears and add ground nutmeg and cardamom to the batter, transforming the cake into a cozy, seasonal treat perfect for fall gatherings.
• Chocolate Chip Comfort: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter and sprinkle additional chips on top for a decadent, indulgent version that chocolate lovers will adore.

Pairings to Serve with Irish Apple Cake

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the cake's warm cinnamon and apple flavors, creating a delightful balance between the dessert's sweetness and the wine's crisp acidity.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm Irish apple cake with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy texture to contrast beautifully with the cake's warm, spiced crumble and provide a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Match with Irish Coffee: Create a traditional Irish coffee using strong brewed coffee, whiskey, brown sugar, and lightly whipped cream to echo the cake's cultural roots and offer a rich, warming accompaniment that enhances the dessert's comforting qualities.

Storing Irish Apple Cake for Freshness

Store leftover Irish Apple Cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Slice the cake and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• What makes Irish apple cake different from other apple cakes?

Irish apple cake stands out for its traditional streusel topping and classic custard sauce, giving it a rich, authentic Irish countryside flavor that’s less sweet and more rustic compared to American-style apple cakes.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Bramley apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness to the cake.

• Is this cake considered a traditional Irish dessert?

Yes, this cake originates from Ireland’s countryside and is often served during autumn harvest celebrations, reflecting Ireland’s long-standing baking traditions and love for simple, hearty desserts.

Irish Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Irish heritage comes alive in this Traditional Irish Apple Cake, where generations of family recipes blend perfectly with simple, hearty ingredients. Warm spices and tender apples create a delightful dessert you’ll cherish from first delectable bite to last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (340 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1.5 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1.25 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup (22 grams) rolled oats
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, chilled
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Custard Sauce Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 0.25 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 dash salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.
2. Cream butter and sugar using a paddle attachment until fluffy and aerated, approximately 2 minutes on medium-high speed.
3. Incorporate vanilla, milk, and eggs into the butter mixture, blending until completely integrated.
4. Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gently combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
6. Delicately fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution with roughly equal apple-to-batter ratio.
7. Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly across the surface.
8. Sprinkle chilled streusel topping over the batter’s surface.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until streusel turns golden and a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
10. Allow cake to rest and cool for minimum 15 minutes before serving with custard sauce.

Streusel Topping:

1. Combine flour, oats, sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Dice butter into small cubes and incorporate with dry ingredients.
3. Use fingertips to blend butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Refrigerate streusel until ready to use.

Custard Sauce:

1. Heat milk and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, avoiding boiling.
2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thickened, about 2-3 minutes by hand.
3. Gradually stream steaming milk into egg mixture, tempering the eggs.
4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Serve warm alongside the cake.

Notes

• Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for optimal texture and flavor balance in the cake.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter that incorporates ingredients more evenly.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake texture; mix just until dry ingredients are incorporated.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg