Authentic Irish Apple Cake

A Traditional Taste of Ireland

Irish Apple Cake is a rustic, comforting dessert that has been a staple in Irish households for generations. Unlike American-style apple cakes that are soft and spongy, the Irish version has a denser, crumbly texture with a hint of spice. Often served with custard sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake embodies the warmth and charm of traditional Irish baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor – Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best in fresh apples.
• Perfectly Balanced Texture – A tender crumb with a slightly crisp top.
• Versatile – Enjoy it warm with custard or cold with a cup of tea.
• Seasonal & Comforting – Ideal for autumn but delicious year-round.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Bramley), peeled, cored, and sliced

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add Sugar & Apples

Stir in the sugar, then fold in the sliced apples, ensuring they are evenly coated with the flour mixture.

5. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. The batter will be thick.

6. Transfer to the Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top.

7. Prepare the Topping

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool & Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm with custard sauce or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Variations

• Add Nuts – Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
• Use Brown Sugar – Swap granulated sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Try Different Apples – Experiment with Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Jonagold apples.
• Add a Streusel Topping – For a sweeter, crunchier top, mix butter, flour, sugar, and oats for a crumb topping.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Irish apple cake different from other apple cakes?

Irish apple cake has a denser texture and a more biscuit-like crumb compared to the soft and spongy texture of American apple cakes.

What are the best apples for this recipe?

Traditional Irish recipes use Bramley apples, but Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work well too.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

What can I serve with Irish apple cake?

It pairs wonderfully with warm custard sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Why is my apple cake dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately and check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a 9-inch round pan for a thinner cake or a loaf pan for a different shape. Adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I prevent apples from sinking?

Toss the apple slices in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.

Can I add raisins or sultanas?

Absolutely! Adding ½ cup of raisins or sultanas enhances the flavor and texture.

Is Irish apple cake a breakfast dish or dessert?

It can be enjoyed as either! Serve it as a comforting breakfast with tea or as a dessert with custard.

Conclusion

Authentic Irish Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that brings a taste of Ireland into your home. With its tender crumb, spiced apples, and crisp topping, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm with custard or as a simple teatime snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and savor the flavors of traditional Irish baking!

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