Get ready to fall in love with Irish Apple Cake, a timeless dessert that is as comforting as it is delicious. This rustic treat pairs tart apples with a gently spiced, buttery crumb and a shower of powdered sugar for the ultimate cozy bite. Whether you’re looking for the perfect finale to a hearty meal or simply want to celebrate the flavors of home baking, Irish Apple Cake won’t let you down. One forkful and you’ll understand why this classic holds a special place in so many family kitchens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Irish Apple Cake lies in its honest, humble ingredients. Each component, from the tart apples to the cozy cinnamon, has a purpose: they work together to create an irresistibly moist and flavorsome cake. Here’s your shopping list, with a few insider tips on making each part shine.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure and a soft, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough so the apples can truly sing.
- Baking powder: Offers just the right lift, ensuring the cake doesn’t end up dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy complexity that matches perfectly with apples.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and heightening sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes): Creates a rich texture and that irresistible crumbly bite.
- Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Their tartness is key for contrast—choose firm, green apples for the classic experience.
- Large eggs: Bind the mixture and lend richness to the cake.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb tender and moist; don’t skip for skim!
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light snowfall just before serving brings a touch of magic.
How to Make Irish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan (springform is best for easy removal). Dust it lightly with flour so the finished Irish Apple Cake turns out effortlessly, every single time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures an even spread of the leavening, spice, and salt so every bite has balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add in those cold cubes of butter, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Gently work it into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs—think of making a classic scone or biscuit base. This step is the secret to that signature crumbly, tender texture.
Step 4: Toss in the Apples
Slide in your perfectly thin apple slices and give them a gentle toss in the mixture, making sure every piece gets coated. This helps keep the apples from sinking while baking and infuses every bite with that apple-cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. These simple ingredients will moisten the cake while adding rich notes and aroma.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over the apple-flour base. Gently fold just until combined—don’t overmix! The batter will be thick and chunky, with apple slices peeking through. This is exactly what you want.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top just a bit. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar—for the classic Irish Apple Cake finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.
How to Serve Irish Apple Cake
Garnishes
The traditional touch is a dusting of powdered sugar—simple, elegant, and just sweet enough. If you want to add more, a dollop of softly whipped cream or a swirl of warm custard on each slice will take your Irish Apple Cake straight to the next level without overwhelming its rustic charm.
Side Dishes
Irish Apple Cake is a delight with a steamy mug of black tea or a cozy cup of coffee. For a more decadent dessert spread, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or with a luscious drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, especially on chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into wedges and layering them on a wooden board with chunks of sharp cheddar for a unique sweet-savory twist. For gatherings, cut the cake into bite-size squares and serve on a dessert platter—perfect as finger food at brunches or afternoon teas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed the first slices, cover any leftover Irish Apple Cake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to stretch its freshness a bit longer, keep it in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezing
Irish Apple Cake freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Once completely cool, wrap the cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store frozen for up to 2 months—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you love your cake slightly warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or reheat loosely covered in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked aroma and soft, tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use another type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are traditional for their tartness, feel free to try Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. Just avoid softer varieties, which can turn mushy during baking.
Is Irish Apple Cake meant to be dense or fluffy?
Irish Apple Cake is delightfully rustic, with a slightly dense but tender crumb. The chunks of fresh apple keep every bite moist and flavorful rather than airy like a sponge cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes—you can substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture tender.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is strongly recommended for a classic texture and appearance. The peels can become tough and separate from the fruit during baking, but if you love extra rustic charm, you can certainly leave them on.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Irish Apple Cake?
Leftovers are amazing slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a quick breakfast treat, try a slice with your morning coffee—a real game changer!
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a dessert that’s deeply satisfying yet wonderfully simple, you’ll be amazed by what Irish Apple Cake brings to the table. With its tender crumb, pockets of soft apple, and delicate sweetness, this cake is pure comfort food—and just waiting for you to try. Happy baking!
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Irish Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this traditional Irish Apple Cake. A moist and tender cake filled with slices of tart apples and warm spices, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Add Butter: Cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbs.
- Coat Apples: Toss apple slices in flour mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour wet mixture over apples and stir gently.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in pan, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with whipped cream or warm custard for a delightful treat.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
