Irish Apple Cake

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Delicious homemade Irish Apple Cake with fresh apples and spices.

Irish Apple Cake

There’s something truly special about Irish Apple Cake. With its warm, comforting flavors and delightful combination of tart Granny Smith apples and a buttery sponge, this dessert is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Traditionally served with a creamy custard sauce, it brings a taste of Ireland right to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly autumn afternoon or at a festive gathering, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What Goes into This Irish Apple Cake

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather everything you need to make this delicious cake:

Ingredients:

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (25g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1 pinch of kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed

For the Cake:

  • Baking spray with flour
  • 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 Tbsp. milk
  • 3 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

For the Vanilla Custard Sauce:

  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) half-and-half
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla bean paste

Directions for Irish Apple Cake

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with this tasty apple cake:

  1. Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, oats, and salt. Using your fingers, rub in the cubed, cold butter until well combined. Cover this mixture and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Preheat the Oven: While your streusel is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round pan by spraying it with baking spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.

  3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp. salt. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 2/3 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and fold gently until just combined.

  4. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the thin apple slices on top of the batter, then sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the apples.

  5. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a plate.

  6. Make the Custard Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until light and creamy. In a saucepan, heat the half-and-half, remaining sugar, and salt over medium heat without bringing it to a boil. Gradually temper the egg mixture with the warm half-and-half, then return everything to the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, stir in the vanilla bean paste, and cool over ice.

How to Serve Irish Apple Cake

Serving this lovely cake is as easy as enjoying the aroma while it bakes! Here are a few practical ideas:

  • Slice & Plate: Cut the apple cake into wedges and place on individual plates. Consider dusting with a little powdered sugar for a nice touch.
  • Custard Drizzle: Serve with a generous drizzle of vanilla custard sauce over each piece for that classic taste experience.
  • Ice Cream Pairing: For an indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream alongside.

Expert Tips for Irish Apple Cake

  • Apple Substitutes: If Granny Smith apples aren’t available, feel free to use any tart apple variety, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, to achieve a similar flavor profile.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly at room temperature and reheat slightly before serving.
  • Customize the Streusel: Experiment with different nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, in the streusel topping for added texture and flavor.

Irish Apple Cake FAQs

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour.

2. How should I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the apple cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

As you can see, Irish Apple Cake is not just delicious; it’s also easy to make and perfect for sharing. Don’t hesitate to bring a slice or two to your next gathering, or savor it all to yourself at home. Happy baking!