There’s something heartwarming about an Irish Apple Cake – it’s not just a dessert, it’s an invitation to cozy up and savor life’s simple pleasures. Imagine strolling through the lush hills of Ireland, the scent of freshly baked apples and spices in the air, and you’ll find yourself face to face with this rustic yet refined treat.
What makes this cake so special? The combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and a buttery, crumbly texture is like a warm hug from the inside. We’re talking about a balance of flavors that hits all the right notes, whether you’re in the kitchen of a southern home or a cozy café tucked in the Irish countryside.
Ready to take this cake to the next level? A few chef tips: be sure to select tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape beautifully in the bake. Irish Apple Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary exploration, and once you try it, you’ll find it’s a classic you’ll want to revisit often.
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- A little spice goes a long way – I’ve swapped out cinnamon for a hint of nutmeg, adding an unexpected depth of flavor.
- This cake’s always part of my brunch spread, a perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- The apple-to-dough ratio is just right – not too much fruit, just the perfect balance for a moist yet crumbly bite.
- Over time, I’ve learned the secret to a fluffy crumb: don’t overmix the batter!
- What I love most? It’s just as satisfying on a lazy weekend as it is during a festive gathering.
Tastes good!
Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Medium saucepan
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Whisk
- Sifter
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
Custard sauce
- 1½ cups whole milk ~ you can also use half and half or cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1½ tsp vanilla
- 6 tbsp granulated sugar
Streusel topping
- 6 tbsp unsalted cold butter, cut in small pieces
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats
Cake
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- confectioner’s sugar for dusting
- 3 Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the custard by heating milk over medium heat.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar together, then slowly add hot milk while whisking continuously.
- Gradually add more hot milk to the egg mixture, then return it to the saucepan.
- Stir constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in vanilla, and pour the custard through a sieve into a heatproof bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap to avoid a skin forming, and refrigerate until fully chilled.
- To make the streusel, blend butter into flour, sugar, and oats until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Refrigerate until ready.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, followed by milk or cream.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly.
- Top with sliced apples and streusel.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before removing from the pan, then dust with confectioners' sugar.
Notes
- The custard will continue to thicken as it cools, so avoid overcooking it to prevent curdling.
- The streusel topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience.
- Try using a variety of apples for added texture and flavor.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 372.87kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 49.8g |
| Fibre | 2.47g |
| Fat | 17.7g |
| Protein | 4.66g |
