If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that wraps you in the cozy charm of the Irish countryside, then this Irish Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful fusion of tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled inside a buttery, crumbly cake that’s surprisingly simple to make but so rich in flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or treating yourself with a cup of tea, this cake embodies homely goodness and traditional Irish baking spirit in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Irish Apple Cake Recipe plays a vital role in creating its classic texture and flavor balance—from the tartness of Granny Smith apples to the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the buttery notes that bring the whole cake together. They’re simple staples you can find easily but their combination is nothing short of magic.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness that balances the tart apples perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the cake’s tender crumb.
- Oats: Add a slight nuttiness and a subtle texture contrast.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and deepens the sweetness.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Creates a lovely crumbly topping when cut into the dry ingredients.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness and crispness keep the cake fresh and bright.
- Lemon juice: Prevents apple slices from browning and adds a zesty lift.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms the dish with its unmistakable spice.
- Softened unsalted butter: For a lush, moist cake batter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle spicy note that deepens the cake’s flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps to achieve that perfect cake texture.
How to Make Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture and Crumble
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into short, thin pieces. Toss the apples gently with lemon juice and cinnamon to keep them fresh and full of flavor. Then, combine flour, oats, sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This crumble topping will add that irresistible texture and buttery crunch.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a nice airy base. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Then sift in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, folding everything gently to keep the batter soft. Add milk gradually until the batter reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. This careful mixing is key to a tender yet structured cake that holds the apple slices perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Grease your baking pan and spread half of the batter evenly. Distribute the spiced apple slices on top in a single layer, pressing them gently into the batter. Then cover the apples with the remaining batter, followed by a generous sprinkle of the oat crumble. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible!
How to Serve Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Irish Apple Cake Recipe, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s warm spices and tender apples beautifully, creating that indulgent feeling every bite deserves.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a robust cup of black tea or a smooth cup of coffee. For a truly Irish touch, serve alongside a glass of Irish cream liqueur or a warm mug of spiced apple cider to enhance the autumnal flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a cinnamon stick garnish or sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on the crumble topping before baking for added crunch and visual appeal. For cozy gatherings, turn the presentation into a trifle layered with custard and whipped cream for a festive dessert variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Irish Apple Cake Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. This allows the flavors to meld even further, and the cake remains moist and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the cake individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm leftover cake slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwaving for 20-30 seconds. This revives the buttery crumble and soft apple layers so you can enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven feeling any day.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Irish Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firm texture, you can substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just remember that softer apples may make the cake a bit moister.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended to achieve a softer texture and avoid the slight bitterness that apple skins can sometimes add. However, you can leave the skin on if you prefer added fiber and a bit of extra color in your cake.
Can I make this Irish Apple Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can make a delicious gluten-free version without compromising taste or texture.
How do I prevent the apple slices from browning before baking?
Tossing the apple slices in lemon juice right after cutting them is the best way to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation. It also adds a subtle brightness that complements the spices perfectly.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans folded into the batter or sprinkled on the crumble topping add wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and spices.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Apple Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s an invitation to savor a slice of Irish tradition, warmth, and simple baking joy. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake’s comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a wonderful addition to any home kitchen. Give it a try, and soon enough, it might just become one of your favorite go-to treats to share with loved ones.
Print
Irish Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This traditional Irish Apple Cake is a delightful treat featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples enveloped in a buttery crumbly batter. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or dessert, this cake combines tart Granny Smith apples with warm spices and a moist textured crumb, offering a comforting homemade flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, quartered and thinly sliced crosswise)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dusted Topping Mixture
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup oats
- â…› teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Cake Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the apple mixture. In a bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will keep the apples from browning and add a warm spice flavor to the fruit filling.
- Make the dusted topping mixture. Combine ½ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup oats, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside this crumbly topping.
- Prepare the cake batter. In a large bowl, cream together the softened ½ cup unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with 3 tablespoons milk, mixing gently to form a smooth batter.
- Assemble the cake. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Spread half of the batter evenly into the pan. Arrange the prepared apple slices on top of the batter, pressing lightly to ensure some apples sink into the batter slightly. Cover the apples evenly with the remaining batter, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Add the crumbly topping. Sprinkle the prepared dusted topping mixture evenly over the top of the batter layer to create a crumbly, textured crust that will bake to a golden finish.
- Bake the cake. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve. Slice into 10 generous pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or cream.
Notes
- Using tart Granny Smith apples adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake.
- Ensure butter in the topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For extra flavor, serve with whipped cream or custard.
- If you prefer, substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
