Authentic Irish Apple Cake

Name: Authentic Irish Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: For the Cake:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; For the Streusel Topping:; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

Authentic Irish Apple Cake a traditional Irish apple cake brings together tender, spiced apples baked into a soft, buttery cake with a crumbly streusel topping. This rustic dessert is perfect for tea time or as a comforting treat with a dollop of cream or custard.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Irish apple cake for its simplicity and old-fashioned charm. The balance of warm spices, buttery richness, and tender apples creates the perfect bite every time. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making this cake stand out from other apple desserts. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

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

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup whole milk

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

For the Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the sugar.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Gently fold in the apple slices to distribute them evenly in the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.

To make the streusel topping, combine the flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or custard.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Variations

Nuts & Raisins: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and sweetness.

Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving for a decadent twist.

Different Apples: Try Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Brown Sugar Streusel: Replace white sugar with brown sugar in the topping for a deeper caramelized flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

How do I prevent the apples from sinking in the cake?

Coating the apple slices in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them evenly distributed.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter gives this cake its traditional texture, but I can substitute it with the same amount of vegetable oil if needed.

What are the best apples for this cake?

I prefer firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn since they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. I simply store it in an airtight container and warm it slightly before serving.

What’s the best way to serve Irish apple cake?

I love serving it warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or classic custard for an authentic Irish touch.

Conclusion

Authentic Irish apple cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that brings comfort in every bite. The combination of soft apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumb topping makes it a must-try for any apple lover. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated with a scoop of cream, it’s a treat that never disappoints.

📖 Recipe: