Why Make This Recipe
Old Irish Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of tradition to your home. It’s moist, packed with tart apple flavor, and has a perfect crumble topping. This cake is great for gatherings or just a cozy family dessert. Serving it warm with a drizzle of custard adds an extra touch of comfort.
How to Make Old Irish Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk or light cream
- 3 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for streusel)
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup whole milk (for custard, optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for custard, optional)
- 3 egg yolks (for custard, optional)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for custard, optional)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for custard, optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add half the dry mixture, then mix in the milk, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the top, gently pressing them into the batter.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, and sugar for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- For the optional custard sauce, heat milk and cream until steaming. Whisk egg yolks and sugar separately, then slowly add the warm milk mixture while whisking. Return to heat and cook gently until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve warm over cake slices.
How to Serve Old Irish Apple Cake
This cake is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream. For a touch of elegance, drizzle warm custard sauce over each slice. It also pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Store Old Irish Apple Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Tips to Make Old Irish Apple Cake
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, add a little more sugar to the batter.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the streusel topping.
Variation
You can create different variations by adding spices like nutmeg to the batter or incorporating dried fruits such as raisins or currants. You can also experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite combination.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, although it might change the texture slightly.
2. Is the custard sauce necessary?
No, the custard sauce is optional, but it adds a delicious creaminess that complements the cake well.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and enjoy it the next day. Just store it properly to keep it fresh.
Old Irish Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add half the dry mixture, then mix in the milk, and finish with the remaining dry ingredients. The batter will be thick.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the top, gently pressing them into the batter.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, and sugar for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- For the optional custard sauce, heat milk and cream until steaming.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar separately, then slowly add the warm milk mixture while whisking. Return to heat and cook gently until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve warm over cake slices.