Irish Apple Cake

Introduction

Nothing evokes the cozy charm of an Irish farmhouse quite like a warm, slice of Irish Apple Cake. With tender, spiced cake layers, juicy apples, and a crumbly streusel topping, this dessert is a perfect addition to afternoon tea, brunch, or a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Traditionally served with a rich, velvety custard sauce, this cake is indulgent yet approachable, bringing the flavors of Ireland straight into your kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying a new dessert for the first time, this recipe balances soft, flavorful cake with crispy, buttery streusel, making each bite irresistibly comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Irish farmhouse flavor with a classic streusel topping
• Moist and tender cake packed with tart Granny Smith apples
• Can be served warm or at room temperature
• Perfect paired with custard, tea, or coffee
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or fall desserts
• Makes a generous 10-serving cake—great for sharing

Ingredients Breakdown

Cake

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk or cream
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• About 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced (approx. 1 lb)
• Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 6 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Custard Sauce (Optional, but traditional)

• 6 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half/cream)
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Servings: 10

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Hand or stand mixer
• Knife and cutting board
• Small saucepan
• Silicone spatula or spoon
• Sieve for custard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Custard Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until combined.
3. Slowly drizzle a little hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Repeat gradually to temper the eggs.
4. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Strain through a sieve to remove any lumps. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until chilled.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

1. Combine flour, oats, sugar, and butter in a bowl.
2. Use your fingers to rub butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture along with milk or cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth evenly.
2. Layer sliced apples over the batter.
3. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the apples.
4. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
6. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve with custard sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples provide the ideal tartness, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn can be used for a sweeter flavor.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead and store in an airtight container; custard sauce can also be made a day ahead.
• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for extra warmth.
• Topping Options: Swap oats in the streusel for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Serving: Serve warm with custard or whipped cream for a classic Irish experience.

Flavor Profile & Texture

• Cake: Moist, tender, and lightly spiced
• Apples: Juicy, tart, and slightly caramelized from baking
• Streusel: Crunchy, buttery, and sweet
• Custard Sauce: Velvety, smooth, and rich—balances the tartness of the apples perfectly

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake the cake a day before serving for easy entertaining.
• Chill custard sauce and reheat gently before serving.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or any firm, tart apple works well.

Do I have to make the custard sauce?
No, the cake is delicious on its own, but custard adds a traditional touch.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	35 minutes
Bake Time	50–60 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices warm with custard sauce or whipped cream.
• Pair with coffee or tea for brunch or dessert.
• Garnish with extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Granny Smith Apples

Tart, firm, and slightly crisp. Provides structure and balances the sweetness of the cake and streusel.

Rolled Oats (in Streusel)

Adds a rustic texture and crunch, making the topping reminiscent of traditional farmhouse desserts.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Slice apples evenly to ensure uniform baking.
• Do not overmix batter to avoid a dense cake.
• Cool cake slightly in the pan before removing to maintain shape.
• Keep custard sauce on low heat when reheating to prevent curdling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: Store cake in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days; serve slightly warmed.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	373 kcal
Protein	4.7 g
Carbohydrates	50 g
Fat	17.7 g
Saturated Fat	10.7 g
Sugar	26.9 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sodium	85 mg

Dietary notes: Contains dairy, gluten, and eggs.

Expanded Conclusion

This Irish Apple Cake is a true farmhouse classic: warm, spiced, and comforting, with juicy apples and buttery streusel topping. Paired with velvety custard, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy afternoons, it’s a versatile recipe that brings the flavors of Ireland straight to your kitchen.

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