Name: Authentic Irish Apple Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-484633H42M54S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup rolled oats; ¼ cup cold butter, cubed; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 3 large egg yolks; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: Experience a classic Irish dessert that’s both comforting and delicious.
Balanced Sweetness: The tartness of the apples complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious taste.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with custard sauce for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
3 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup rolled oats
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Custard Sauce (Optional):

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange half of the sliced apples over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples.
Add Streusel Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with custard sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Spice Adjustments: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for added texture.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.

Is the custard sauce necessary?

The custard sauce is optional but adds a rich, creamy element that complements the cake beautifully.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat individual slices before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. Substituting with whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

To prevent the apples from sinking, toss them lightly in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended while baking.

Conclusion

This Irish Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that beautifully blends tart apples with a soft, spiced cake and a crunchy streusel topping. Whether served as a cozy dessert after dinner or alongside your afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress. The option to add custard sauce makes it even more indulgent, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy on its own. A true taste of Irish tradition, this cake is perfect for any occasion!