Name: Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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If you’re ready to welcome a true taste of Ireland into your kitchen, let me introduce you to the charming, soul-warming Irish Apple Cake. This delightful dessert boasts a tender crumb, a sweet (yet not-too-sweet!) apple filling, and a dusting of snowy powdered sugar. Irish Apple Cake is rustic, homey, and deliciously simple. Imagine the cozy aroma that fills the house while it bakes or the smiles when you serve it fresh from the oven. This is a cake that feels like a hug—whether it’s a blustery fall day or a sunny springtime afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When making Irish Apple Cake, you’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple ingredients come together for a show-stopping dessert. Every item plays a crucial role, from building the cake’s rich structure to delivering irresistible apple flavor and golden color.

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake and gives it that classic crumbly texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the apples.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to just the right height, so it’s light and not dense.
Ground cinnamon: Brings subtle warmth and spice, complementing the apples perfectly.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make the flavors pop.
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Melts into the crumb for a tender, rich bite—don’t skip the “cold and cubed” tip!
Medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): The star of the show! Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for that authentic Irish tang.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add lovely moisture.
Whole milk: Makes the batter just the right consistency and enhances richness.
Vanilla extract: Lends a background sweetness that pulls all the flavors together.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): That signature Irish Apple Cake finish—simple, pretty, and perfectly sweet.

How to Make Irish Apple Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set the mood by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or grease a 9-inch round cake pan or use a springform pan for easy release. This step is all about ensuring your gorgeous Irish Apple Cake comes out perfectly baked, with every buttery edge intact.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step is a breeze, but it’s what lays the delicious foundation for your cake: the fluffy crumb and the gentle warmth from the cinnamon shine through here.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until it all resembles a coarse, slightly clumpy meal. This is where the Irish Apple Cake gets its irresistible texture—think scone meets cake!

Step 4: Add the Apples

Gently fold in your beautifully sliced apples, ensuring each piece is well coated with the flour mixture. The apples take center stage here, layering sweetness and juiciness into every bite.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract together. This mix will breathe life and moisture into your cake, tying all the elements together without overcomplicating things.

Step 6: Combine and Pour

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—no need for perfection here; a few lumps are fine! Spread the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top so the apples get evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The aroma will tempt you, but be patient: you’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer onto a wire rack.

Step 8: Finish with Powdered Sugar

For that classic Irish Apple Cake finish, dust liberally with powdered sugar once the cake is mostly cooled. It’s simple but extraordinary—an edible snow cap that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Irish Apple Cake

Garnishes

The traditional way is the simplest: a hearty sprinkle of powdered sugar. For something extra special, top slices with a scoop of softly whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade custard. Either will elevate the Irish Apple Cake’s comfort factor and turn an everyday treat into something unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Irish Apple Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black tea or creamy coffee. For a wholly Irish touch, serve alongside a glass of Irish cream liqueur, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Let the cake shine, but don’t be afraid to let your favorite sips or scoops join the party!

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like dressing it up? Stack slices with layers of vanilla custard in small mason jars for a rustic trifle, or bake in mini cake pans for personal treats. Serve on a wooden board with extra apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a true autumn celebration. No matter how you present it, Irish Apple Cake always manages to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Irish Apple Cake (lucky you!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm, pop it in the fridge to keep it super fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cake cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic, followed by a layer of foil. Irish Apple Cake keeps wonderfully in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Want to bring back that warm-from-the-oven goodness? Reheat slices in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 7-10 minutes, or zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Just enough to make the apples tender and the aroma come alive again!

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for Irish Apple Cake?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith are the classic choice, but mixing them with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Gala adds great depth of flavor and texture. Always aim for apples that hold their shape when baked.

Can I make Irish Apple Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure), and your Irish Apple Cake will be just as tasty and rustic.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Go for it! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch, while a handful of golden raisins bring gentle sweetness. Just fold them in with the apples before baking for an easy twist on tradition.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Your Irish Apple Cake is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Every oven is a little different, so start checking at the 45-minute mark.

Is Irish Apple Cake served warm or at room temperature?

It’s wonderful either way! Fresh and warm out of the oven is divine, especially with a dollop of whipped cream, but Irish Apple Cake is just as lovely at room temperature and keeps its pleasant crumb.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking Irish Apple Cake, now’s the perfect time. It’s easy, wildly comforting, and sure to steal hearts at any table. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite dessert!

Irish Apple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this traditional Irish Apple Cake, a rustic dessert perfect for fall gatherings. This moist cake features layers of tender apples nestled in a lightly spiced batter, dusted with a touch of powdered sugar for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Add Butter and Apples: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles crumbs. Fold in the sliced apples.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.