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
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
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.
