Description
This Irish Apple Cake is a traditional and comforting dessert made with tart apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a buttery streusel topping. Perfectly moist and flavorful, this cake is best served with a homemade custard sauce for an authentic Irish treat. Whether for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is a delightful taste of Ireland!
Ingredients
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Cake:
- 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
For the Custard Sauce (Optional):
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, oats, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Refrigerate while making the cake batter.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the batter.
- Sprinkle with the streusel topping.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Custard Sauce (Optional):
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- Heat milk in a saucepan until just below boiling.
- Gradually pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
7. Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with custard sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best tart-sweet balance.
- If you prefer extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- The cake can be enjoyed plain or with whipped cream instead of custard.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
