Irish Apple Cake

Irish apple cake is a traditional dessert that captures the cozy essence of home baking. With its tender crumb, juicy apple slices, and subtle spice, it’s a cake that feels comforting and familiar, yet distinctively Irish. Often served with warm custard or a dusting of powdered sugar, this humble treat is perfect for teatime, brunch, or as a simple dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples.

What sets Irish apple cake apart is its rustic texture and balance of flavors. Unlike more refined cakes, it’s slightly dense, with a buttery crumb that supports generous layers of sliced apples. Granny Smith or Bramley apples are often used for their tartness, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the batter. As the cake bakes, the apples soften and release their juices, creating moist pockets of flavor throughout each slice.

A hint of spice – typically cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves – adds warmth without overpowering the apple’s freshness. Some recipes also include a handful of oats or chopped nuts in the topping for extra crunch and a hearty finish. The cake is usually baked in a round tin and cut into wedges, much like a scone or soda bread, adding to its country-style charm.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of vanilla custard, or even a spoonful of yogurt. Its slightly tart, slightly sweet profile makes it versatile enough to enjoy with breakfast coffee or as a satisfying end to dinner. It’s the kind of cake that tastes just as good the next day, perhaps even better, making it a great option for making ahead.

Irish apple cake is more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and timeless tradition. With each bite, you get the feeling of a warm kitchen, a family table, and a recipe passed down through generations.

Irish Apple Cake

3.74 from 230 votes

A traditional Irish dessert, Irish Apple Cake is a delightful, comforting treat perfect for any occasion. The cake features a soft crumb infused with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced with tart apples. It’s often served with a creamy custard sauce, making it a cherished family favorite.

Servings 8 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

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Ingredients

  

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• 500 g apples preferably Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 250 g all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 125 g sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 125 g unsalted butter cold and diced
• 1 large egg beaten
• 3-4 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake tin.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and baking powder, then rub in the cold diced butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the flour mixture, and mix well.
• Stir in the sliced apples, ensuring they are completely coated with the flour mix.
• Mix the beaten egg with enough milk to make the wet ingredients up to 150ml. Add to the flour and apple mix and stir to a thick batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly, and sprinkle the top with granulated sugar.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a drizzle of custard or cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 10mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Calories: 320kcal

Meal Type: Dessert

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: baking, desserts, Irish Cuisine

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Vegetarian

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

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