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This image shows a baking pan being greased and prepped, ensuring the Irish Apple Cake bakes evenly with a smooth release.

Irish Apple Cake Recipe

This Irish apple cake features a buttery, cinnamon-spiced batter topped with sweet apples and a crumbly streusel topping. Paired with a rich homemade custard sauce, it makes for a comforting and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Irish
Servings 10 people
Calories 372.87 kcal

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.
    This image shows a baking pan being greased and prepped, ensuring the Irish Apple Cake bakes evenly with a smooth release.
  • Prepare the custard by heating milk over medium heat.
    This image shows milk gently heating in a saucepan, preparing the base for a rich and velvety custard.
  • Whisk egg yolks and sugar together, then slowly add hot milk while whisking continuously.
    This image shows egg yolks being whisked together with sugar, creating a smooth, creamy base for the custard.
  • Gradually add more hot milk to the egg mixture, then return it to the saucepan.
    This image shows warm milk being slowly poured into the whisked egg yolks and sugar, carefully tempering the mixture to avoid curdling.
  • Stir constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
    This image shows the tempered egg and milk mixture being returned to the saucepan, gently heating to create a smooth, rich custard.
  • Stir in vanilla, and pour the custard through a sieve into a heatproof bowl.
    This image shows custard being stirred continuously over heat, thickening into a rich and velvety texture.
  • 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.
    This image shows freshly made custard covered and placed in the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and set before serving.
  • Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time.
    This image shows butter, sugar, and flour being combined to create a crumbly and flavorful streusel topping for the Irish Apple Cake.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
    This image shows flour, baking powder, and warm spices being whisked together, ensuring even distribution for the cake batter.
  • Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, followed by milk or cream.
    This image shows butter and sugar being creamed together until light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for the cake batter.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it evenly.
  • Top with sliced apples and streusel.
    This image shows fresh apple slices being arranged over the batter, followed by a generous sprinkle of streusel for a crunchy, sweet finish.
  • 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.
    This image shows the freshly baked Irish Apple Cake cooling on a rack before being dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.

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.