If you’re craving a comforting slice of nostalgia with a touch of rustic charm, this Irish Apple Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Bursting with tender, tart Granny Smith apples and a tender crumb that perfectly balances cinnamon and sweetness, it’s as timeless as Irish baking itself. Whether enjoyed warm with a dollop of cream or simply dusted with powdered sugar, this cake captures the heart of a traditional Irish dessert with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Irish Apple Cake Recipe plays a vital role, blending simplicity with deliciousness. From the crisp tart apples to the warm cinnamon spice and buttery crumble, these essentials come together to create a flavor and texture that’s truly unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s sturdy yet tender base.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tart apples.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes): Creates a rich, crumbly texture throughout the cake.
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): The star fruit offering tartness and juicy moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and subtle sweetness to the batter.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light, sweet finish that makes the cake look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Make Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan to ensure your cake releases easily and bakes evenly. This simple step sets the foundation for a flawless cake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients form the backbone of the cake’s flavor and texture, blending spiced warmth with a tender crumb.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is essential for achieving the cake’s signature crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add the Apples
Toss the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples into the flour-butter mixture, making sure each slice is coated. This step ensures the apples integrate into the batter perfectly and bake into tender, flavorful pockets.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The eggs add structure, while milk and vanilla bring moisture and a lovely aroma to the cake.
Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture over the apple and flour combination. Gently stir until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or the cake will lose its tender, delicate crumb.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The enticing aroma filling your kitchen will tell you it’s almost ready!
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic and sweet finishing touch.
How to Serve Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust your Irish Apple Cake Recipe with powdered sugar just before serving. If you want to elevate the experience, top with freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm custard — both perfectly complement the tart apples and tender crumb.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a heartier dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to add a luscious creaminess that balances the cake’s texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into generous wedges and present on a rustic wooden board for a charming farmhouse feel. Alternatively, layer a slice with thin apple slices and a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a delightful twist that brings a dazzling contrast of textures and temperatures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Irish Apple Cake Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, perfect for enjoying the next day with your morning tea or coffee.
Freezing
If you want to save a slice for later, Irish Apple Cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the cake’s soft texture and intensifies the lovely aromas, making every bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this Irish Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can also work, giving the cake a milder, sweeter flavor. Just be sure to choose apples that hold their shape during baking.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cake’s texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or raisins make wonderful additions, adding extra texture and flavor. Fold them in at the same time you add the apples for even distribution.
What is the best way to slice this cake?
Use a serrated knife and cut gently in a sawing motion to avoid squashing the tender crumb. This helps keep each slice neat and retains the cake’s beautiful appearance.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to prevent the cake from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Apple Cake Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing and savoring any day. Its simplicity invites creativity, yet it holds true to its Irish roots with every bite of tender apple and buttery crumb. Give it a try—your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, and your heart will thank you for a new beloved classic.
Print
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
A classic Irish apple cake featuring tender slices of tart Granny Smith apples baked in a cinnamon-spiced buttery crumb. This traditional dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or custard.
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
Wet 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
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Incorporate butter: Cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring small pea-sized pieces of butter remain.
- Add apples: Gently toss the thinly sliced peeled and cored Granny Smith apples with the crumb mixture to coat them evenly with flour and spices. This helps prevent sinking during baking.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture over the apple and flour mixture. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix, to keep the cake tender.
- Transfer to pan and bake: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing it to set perfectly.
- Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar just before serving. This cake is delightful when served slightly warm or at room temperature, especially with whipped cream or warm custard.
Notes
- Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Pairs beautifully with whipped cream or warm custard.
- Use tart Granny Smith apples for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
