As the first hints of autumn whisper through the air, I find myself drawn to the comforting embrace of warm spices and sweet apples. There’s a special alchemy that occurs when those juicy, tart Granny Smith apples meet a tender crumb cake, creating a dessert that feels both old-fashioned and utterly delightful. This Traditional Irish Apple Cake, with its beautiful sugar crust and moist interior, is my go-to for cozy gatherings or special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.
But the magic doesn’t stop there; it’s the rich vanilla custard sauce that transforms this cake from simply delicious to unforgettable. Imagine pouring a silky pool of creamy goodness over a warm slice, each bite a perfect harmony of spice and sweetness. This recipe isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about sharing moments, celebrating traditions, and savoring the simple joys of homemade food. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this heavenly treat that promises to warm both your heart and your home.
Why is Irish Apple Cake so special?
Tradition-rich and steeped in nostalgia, this classic dessert brings a slice of Ireland into your home. Moist and flavorful, the harmony of tart apples and warm spices makes each bite a heartwarming experience. Effortlessly elegant, it’s simple enough for everyday enjoyment yet impressive enough for gatherings. Versatile option for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to delight any audience. Don’t miss the chance to elevate it with homemade custard, an exquisite pairing that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Irish Apple Cake Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert!
For the Cake
- Cold Unsalted Butter (1 stick, cut into small cubes) – Adds richness and moisture; use softened butter for greasing the pan.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup, 200 g.) – Sweetens the cake and helps create a nice crust.
- Baking Powder (1 Tbsp) – Provides leavening for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and flavor depth.
- Kosher Salt (3/4 tsp) – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Ground Ginger (1/2 tsp) – Contributes to the warm, spiced flavor profile.
- Finely Grated Fresh Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – Elevates the cake with an aromatic touch.
- Ground Allspice (1/4 tsp) – Adds another layer of warm spice.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups, plus 3 Tbsp, 360 g. total) – The main structure of the cake; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Large Eggs (3) – Provide moisture and structure.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Adds richness to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp or vanilla bean, halved) – Enhances flavor; using vanilla bean offers a more intense aroma.
- Granny Smith Apple (1 large, thinly sliced into 1/4″ pieces) – Adds tartness and texture.
- Demerara Sugar (3 Tbsp) – Sprinkled on top to add crunch and sweetness.
For the Custard Sauce
- Egg Yolks (4) – Enrich the custard; use whole eggs for a firmer texture.
- Granulated Sugar (67 g., 1/3 cup) – Sweetens the custard sauce beautifully.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/4 cups) – Forms the base of the custard, creating a rich creaminess.
This collection of ingredients will help you craft an exquisite Irish apple cake that everyone will remember!
How to Make Irish Apple Cake
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9″ springform pan by buttering it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, finely grated nutmeg, ground allspice, and granulated sugar until well combined.
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Add Butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse sand, ensuring no large pieces remain for even distribution.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
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Fold in Apples: Toss the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples in a bit of flour to coat them, then gently fold the apples into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking.
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Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly on top for a crunchy crust.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
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Make Custard Sauce: For the custard, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream with the vanilla in a saucepan until steaming (don’t boil!). Gradually temper the yolk mixture with the hot cream, stirring continuously. Return to the saucepan and cook over low heat until the custard thickens. Strain to remove any lumps and let it cool.
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Serve: Slice the cooled apple cake and pour the rich vanilla custard sauce generously over each slice.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Irish Apple Cake
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Irish apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage time, place the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave slices for 20-30 seconds. For a crispier crust, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Irish Apple Cake?
As you savor each delightful bite of this spiced dessert, imagine pairing it with inspired sides or drinks that enhance the experience.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy richness that balances the cake’s dense texture beautifully.
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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: These warm, sugary treats complement the cake’s apple and spice notes, creating a cozy, nostalgic dessert experience.
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Cranberry Sauce: A zesty cranberry sauce adds a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making each bite interesting and lively.
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Coffee or Spiced Tea: Serving this cake with a mug of freshly brewed coffee or spiced tea enhances the warm spices, creating a comforting afternoon treat.
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Apple Cider: For a quintessential fall pairing, enjoy a glass of warm or chilled apple cider to echo the cake’s apple flavors while providing a refreshing taste.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Melting a scoop of vanilla ice cream over a slice of warm apple cake transforms it into an indulgent dessert, combining hot and cold sensations.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola on top of the custard sauce adds a delightful crunch and a healthful element that contrasts with the cake’s softness.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce will elevate the sweetness of the cake, offering a luscious, indulgent finish perfect for dessert lovers.
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Warm Spiced Pear Compote: This fruity compote, made with aromatic spices, provides a complementary fruit flavor that pairs beautifully with both the cake and custard.
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Chai Latte: For a warming drink option, serve your cake alongside a silky chai latte, enhancing the cozy spices in the dessert and creating a delightful pairing.
Irish Apple Cake Variations
Feel free to take this cherished recipe to new heights with these delightful twists!
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Apple Swaps: Replace Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, juicier bite. Each type brings a unique flavor that can brighten the cake.
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Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs while keeping that beloved moist texture.
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Dairy-Free Options: Use almond or coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter custard sauce, allowing everyone to indulge without worry.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a dash of cardamom or cloves. These spices add amazing warmth and elegance, making this dessert even more special.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch and rich flavor contrast that adds another layer to each slice.
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Fruity Additions: Toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries along with the apples for a chewy sweetness that balances the tartness beautifully.
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Citrus Zest: Infuse a hint of lemon or orange zest into the batter to brighten the flavors. This twist can make every bite feel festive and fresh.
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Boozy Splash: Add a splash of Irish whiskey or apple brandy to the custard sauce for a grown-up twist that brings an extra depth of flavor and sophistication to your dessert.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Irish Apple Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter and slice the apples up to 24 hours in advance, keeping everything together covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you prefer, you can bake the cake ahead, allowing it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, which will keep it moist for up to 3 days at room temperature. For the vanilla custard sauce, make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; simply reheat it gently before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress with minimal effort when it’s time to enjoy!
Tips for the Best Irish Apple Cake
• Butter Matters: Using cold unsalted butter helps create a tender crumb. Avoid melting it; instead, cut into cubes for optimal mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing the batter just until combined keeps the cake moist and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Coating Apples: Lightly flouring the sliced Granny Smith apples prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
• Gentle Tempering: When making the custard sauce, temper the egg yolks with warm cream slowly to avoid curdling; heat should be gentle.
• Serving Warm: For a delightful experience, serve the cake warm and generously drizzle with the silky custard sauce for an unforgettable flavor burst.
Irish Apple Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for Irish Apple Cake?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness and texture, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor profile.
How should I store leftover Irish Apple Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If desired, it can last up to 5 days in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for the best experience!
Can I freeze Irish Apple Cake?
Yes! For freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will keep them flavor-packed and protected for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, and warm them up in the microwave or oven for that freshly-baked taste.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If you find your Irish Apple Cake is denser than expected, it may be due to overmixing the batter. To avoid this, mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Additionally, double-check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can prevent the cake from rising properly.
Is there a gluten-free option for this Irish Apple Cake?
Very! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to use a high-quality blend that mimics the properties of regular flour for the best results. This allows everyone to enjoy this delightful dessert!
Irresistible Irish Apple Cake with Luxurious Custard Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9" springform pan by buttering it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, finely grated nutmeg, ground allspice, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse sand.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Toss the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples in a bit of flour to coat them, then gently fold the apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly on top.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the custard, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream with the vanilla in a saucepan until steaming.
- Gradually temper the yolk mixture with the hot cream, stirring continuously. Return to the saucepan and cook over low heat until the custard thickens. Strain to remove any lumps and let it cool.
- Slice the cooled apple cake and pour the rich vanilla custard sauce generously over each slice.