Irish Apple Cake Recipe

Hey there, it’s Anne Carter from Beyond the Bayoublog, and today I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s close to my heart – “The Irish Apple Cake“. I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of simple, hearty dishes that bring people together.

This apple cake, with its humble origins and comforting flavors, embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. Picture tender slices of apple nestled in a soft, cinnamon-spiced cake – it’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia.

I’ve tweaked and tested this recipe over time, ensuring it’s not just easy to make but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques here; just straightforward, homely cooking that anyone can master. You can also try our Bisquick Coffee Cake or Tres Leches Cake.

So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, join me in creating a slice of Ireland in your own home with this heartwarming Irish Apple Cake recipe.

Simple Pleasures Irish Apple Cake Recipe

A true Irish farmhouse apple cake that is excellent served or not with the customary custard sauce!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Irish

Prep Time: 35 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Calories: 372.87kcal

Author: Anne Carter

Servings: 10

Equipment

• ▢
  Mixing Bowls
• ▢
  Whisk
• ▢
  Peeler
• ▢
  Knife
• ▢
  Baking Pan
• ▢
  Cooling Rack
• ▢
  Oven

Ingredients

• ▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter at 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
• ▢ confectioner’s sugar for dusting
• ▢ 1/8 tsp salt

STREUSEL TOPPING

• ▢ 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• ▢ 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• ▢ 6 Tbsp unsalted cold butter, cut in small pieces
• ▢ 1/2 cup granulated sugar

CUSTARD SAUCE

• ▢ 6 large egg yolks
• ▢ 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups whole milk ~ you can also use half and half or cream
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Before starting the cake, make the custard sauce in advance.
• Heat milk until it simmers. While that's happening, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well mixed.
• Slowly mix a bit of the hot milk into the eggs, whisking continuously.
• Transfer the egg mixture back to the hot milk, cook over medium heat, stirring until it coats a spoon.
• Add vanilla, then strain the custard through a sieve into a jar or bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator.
• Mix cold butter bits with flour, sugar, and oats until it's crumbly. Pop it in the refrigerator for later.
• Cream together butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture along with milk or cream.
• Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Top it with sliced apples, and then sprinkle on the streusel topping. No need to be perfect; just make it even.
• Bake for about 50 minutes to an hour until the top is lightly browned. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean without wet batter sticking to it.
• Let it cool a bit in the pan before removing. Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 372.87kcal | Carbohydrates: 49.8g | Protein: 4.66g | Fat: 17.7g | Saturated Fat: 10.67g | Sodium: 85.04mg | Fiber: 2.47g | Sugar: 26.94g

Time for The Tips!

1. Streusel Topping: To keep the butter cool, skip the oats. Instead, use a fork to blend it with the flour mixture. Or toss everything into a food processor until it’s like chunky breadcrumbs.
2. Apple Variety Mix: Combine tart and sweet apple types for a tastier twist. Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and a bit of pear or peach can work wonders.
3. Spice It Up: Play around with nutmeg, cloves, allspice, or cardamom to boost the flavor. My Homemade Mixed Spice or Pumpkin Pie Spice are also fantastic options.
4. Sugar Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels to suit your taste in the cake and streusel. But beware sugar-free substitutes won’t give the topping that crispy crunch.
5. Caramel Touch: Swap some granulated sugar with brown sugar for a delightful caramel tone.
6. Nutty Goodness: Amp up the crunch with slivered almonds, pinenuts, toasted pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
7. Perfect Pan Pick: Go for a 9-inch springform pan. This cake rises a lot, and a springform makes removing it a breeze. No sticking to the pan drama here!