Irish Apple Cake is a traditional, rustic dessert that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This cake features tender, tart apples folded into a buttery, lightly spiced batter, creating a moist and delicious treat. The crumbly texture of the cake is beautifully contrasted by the soft apples, while a hint of cinnamon adds warmth to every bite. Typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous drizzle of custard, Irish apple cake makes for a perfect dessert or tea-time snack, capturing the simple, hearty essence of Irish baking.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Bramley), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Optional Custard Sauce (for serving):
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the topping. Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Custard (Optional): While the cake bakes, prepare the custard sauce. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm (do not boil). In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
- Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of custard sauce.
Enjoy this classic Irish Apple Cake with its cozy flavors and rustic charm, perfect for any occasion!
