why make this recipe
Traditional Irish Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the comforting flavors of home to your table. This cake offers a soft and moist texture, combined with the sweetness of apples and a warm hint of spices. Topped with a creamy custard sauce, it’s a perfect treat for family gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can make!
how to make Traditional Irish Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts or almonds if you’re using them.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.
- Make the Custard Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
- Serve & Enjoy!: Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the creamy custard sauce.
how to serve Traditional Irish Apple Cake
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. Plate a slice of the apple cake and pour some creamy custard sauce over the top. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices for a beautiful presentation.
how to store Traditional Irish Apple Cake
If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to one week. The custard sauce should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 2-3 days.
tips to make Traditional Irish Apple Cake
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding raisins or sultanas to the batter.
- If you prefer a thicker custard sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly.
variation
You can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, you can use other fruits like pears or berries if you want to try something different.
FAQs
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly, and then serve it with freshly made custard sauce.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji works great for this cake.
Can I freeze the apple cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap before freezing. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Traditional Irish Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Then, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts or almonds if you are using them.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch.
- Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the creamy custard sauce.