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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.
  • 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.