Description
A traditional Irish Apple Cake with a dense, crumbly texture and warm spices, perfect with custard or a dusting of powdered sugar. A comforting, rustic dessert that embodies classic Irish baking.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in the Butter – Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Sugar & Apples – Stir in the sugar, then fold in the apple slices, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer to the Pan – Spoon the thick batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Prepare the Topping – Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the cake batter.
- Bake – Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with custard or dusted with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Add Nuts – Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture.
- Use Brown Sugar – Swap granulated sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Try Different Apples – Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Jonagold are great alternatives.
- Add a Streusel Topping – Combine butter, flour, sugar, and oats for a crumb topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: irish
Keywords: Irish apple cake, traditional Irish dessert, apple cake recipe, rustic apple cake, Irish baking