Irish Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of comfort home. This cake features tender, tart apples beautifully complemented by warm spices, creating a cozy experience perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying a slice with coffee, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart.
Table of Contents
A Classic Irish Apple Cake Recipe
The Perfect Balance of Tart Apples and Warm Spices
This Irish Apple Cake combines the slightly tart flavors of Granny Smith apples with a crumbly streusel topping and a rich custard sauce. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create a memorable dessert experience. Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients!
Essential Ingredients for Irish Apple Cake
Key Ingredients for the Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp whole milk or cream
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- About 3 Granny Smith apples (peeled and thinly sliced, approximately 1 pound)
- Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Ingredients for the Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 6 Tbsp unsalted cold butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Ingredients for the Custard Sauce
- 6 large egg yolks
- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half and half or cream)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Irish Apple Cake
Preparing the Custard Sauce
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. For the custard sauce, heat the milk until it simmers. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking. Return this mixture to the pan, cooking over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the vanilla and strain through a sieve into a heatproof container. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled.
Making the Streusel Topping
While the custard cools, prepare the streusel topping. Mix the cold butter with flour, sugar, and oats until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator to ensure a crumbly texture.
Baking the Apple Cake
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture along with the milk or cream. Spread the batter into the prepared pan, layer the sliced apples on top, and finish with the chilled streusel topping. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Tips for Serving and Storing Irish Apple Cake
Best Ways to Serve the Cake
This Irish Apple Cake is mildly sweet and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The rich custard sauce can be served warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing twist.
Storage Recommendations
The custard sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. However, the cake is best enjoyed warm from the oven, as it retains its delightful texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, cover the cake and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Traditional Irish Soda Bread
- Chocolate Guinness Cake
- Irish Cream Brownies
- Classic Shepherd’s Pie
- Irish Potato Cakes
FAQs
What is an Irish apple cake?
An Irish apple cake is a traditional dessert made with tart apples, often Granny Smith, combined with warm spices and a crumbly topping. It typically features a custard sauce that enhances its flavor.
What to serve with apple cake easily?
Apple cake pairs well with coffee or tea for breakfast or a light dessert. You can also serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
How long does apple cake last?
Apple cake is best enjoyed warm but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. The custard sauce can be refrigerated for a few days.
Why is apple cake called apple cake?
It is called apple cake because the primary ingredient is apples, which provide the cake’s distinct flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Enjoying a slice of Irish Apple Cake is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug. This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional Irish desserts but also invites you to create lasting memories with family and friends. For more inspiration, check out Elly’s Recipes for a treasure trove of delectable ideas to complement this delightful cake!
Easy Irish Apple Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp whole milk or cream
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced, approximately 1 pound
- confectioner’s sugar for dusting
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour for streusel
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 6 Tbsp unsalted cold butter cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for streusel
- 6 large egg yolks for custard
- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar for custard
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half and half or cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla for custard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the custard by heating the milk, whisking egg yolks and sugar, then combining and cooking until thickened. Strain and chill.
- Make the streusel by mixing cold butter with flour, sugar, and oats until crumbly, then chill.
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Combine dry ingredients and fold into the creamed mixture with milk or cream.
- Spread the batter in the pan, layer apples on top, and add the streusel.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, remove from the pan, and dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.