Name: Authentic Irish Apple Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: Cake:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 3 Tbsp whole milk or cream; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/8 tsp salt; 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1 lb after slicing); Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting; Streusel Topping:; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats; 6 Tbsp unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; Custard Sauce:; 6 large egg yolks; 6 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half and half/cream); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that feels like a cozy Irish kitchen on a rainy afternoon, this Authentic Irish Apple Cake is your ticket there. Imagine biting into tender, buttery cake studded with tart-sweet apples, topped with a crisp, buttery streusel, and dusted with a gentle snowfall of confectioner’s sugar. Pair it with a silky custard sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

This cake isn’t just about flavor—it’s about texture, aroma, and nostalgia. The cinnamon-scented crumbs, the soft, slightly tart apples, and the golden cake combine to create a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a quiet afternoon tea, this cake will impress and delight.

Recipe Origin

Irish apple cake is a traditional dessert, often baked in the countryside kitchens of Ireland using seasonal apples. Its charm comes from the simplicity of its ingredients paired with the rustic, buttery, and spiced flavors. This version honors tradition while adding a custard sauce for a touch of modern indulgence.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Cake pan (round or square)
Peeler and knife (for apples)
Baking sheet
Saucepan (for custard)
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Cooling rack
Sifter for confectioner’s sugar

Why You’ll Love Authentic Irish Apple Cake

Rustic Charm

This cake captures the essence of traditional Irish baking, simple yet full of character.

Flavorful Layers

Apples, cinnamon, and buttery cake combine with a crisp streusel topping for a flavor and texture explosion.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday dessert, a Sunday afternoon treat, or a birthday, this cake fits the occasion perfectly.

Crowd-Pleasing

Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the combination of tender cake, tart apples, and sweet custard.

Easy to Personalize

Add nuts, raisins, or a splash of Irish whiskey in the custard for your own twist.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choose Tart Apples: Granny Smith are perfect for balancing the sweetness.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense; mix just until combined.
Keep Streusel Cold: Cold butter in the streusel topping gives a crisp, crumbly texture.
Custard Tip: Cook custard slowly over low heat while whisking to avoid curdling.
Serve Slightly Warm: The cake is heavenly with a little custard drizzled over it.

Ingredients in Authentic Irish Apple Cake

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Cake

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while caramelizing slightly during baking.

Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and a lovely golden color.

Milk or Cream: Adds tenderness and richness.

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.

Cinnamon: Infuses a warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.

Salt: Enhances the other flavors.

Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm, adding texture and balance to the sweet, buttery cake.

Streusel Topping

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crumbly topping.

Rolled Oats: Adds texture and rustic appeal.

Cold Butter: Creates the crisp, buttery streusel pieces.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes during baking.

Custard Sauce

Egg Yolks: Provide richness and a creamy texture.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard to complement the cake.

Whole Milk (or Half & Half/Cream): Creates a smooth, velvety custard.

Vanilla: Adds warmth and depth to the custard’s flavor.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan.

Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then milk or cream. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined.

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Fold gently into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Make Streusel Topping: Combine flour, oats, sugar, and cold butter. Cut butter into the mixture until coarse crumbs form.

Assemble Cake: Pour batter into prepared cake pan. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the batter.

Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.

Dust with Confectioner’s Sugar: Use a sifter to sprinkle a light layer of powdered sugar over the top.

Prepare Custard Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Heat milk and vanilla until just warm. Slowly temper egg yolks with hot milk while whisking continuously. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened. Do not boil.

Serve: Slice cake, serve warm, and drizzle with custard sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8–10
Calories per serving: ~350 (without custard)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: 60–70 minutes

How to Serve Authentic Irish Apple Cake

With Custard: Pour over each slice for a traditional Irish experience.
With Cream or Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream makes a decadent alternative.
Afternoon Tea: Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Holiday Table: A beautiful centerpiece for special occasions.
Casual Treat: Enjoy warm with a light dusting of sugar for everyday indulgence.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Store Cake: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Custard Storage: Store custard separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat Slightly: Warm the cake gently in the oven before serving with custard.
Freeze Options: Cake freezes well without the custard; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Variations to Try

Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Raisins or Sultanas: Fold into the batter for extra sweetness.
Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a warming spice profile.
Apple Varieties: Mix tart and sweet apples for more complexity.
Caramel Drizzle: Add a touch of caramel sauce alongside custard for extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

Peel and slice apples evenly for consistent baking.
Keep butter cold in the streusel for a crumbly texture.
Gently fold apples into the batter to avoid breaking.
Serve slightly warm—fresh from the oven is divine.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different apple varieties?
A1: Yes! Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith work well; just avoid overly soft varieties.

Q2: Can I make the cake gluten-free?
A2: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Q3: Can I prepare custard ahead of time?
A3: Yes, store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.

Q4: Can I skip the streusel topping?
A4: Yes, but the cake will have less texture and crunch.

Q5: How do I prevent custard from curdling?
A5: Temper egg yolks slowly and cook over low heat, whisking continuously.

Q6: Can I make this vegan?
A6: Substitute butter with plant-based butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and eggs with flax or chia eggs.

Q7: How do I keep the cake moist?
A7: Don’t overbake and serve with custard or a light glaze.

Q8: Can I freeze the cake?
A8: Yes, without custard, wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time.

Q10: Can I make individual servings?
A10: Yes, bake in muffin tins for mini apple cakes.

Conclusion

This Authentic Irish Apple Cake is a celebration of simple, rustic ingredients elevated into something extraordinary. Soft, buttery cake, tart apples, crisp streusel, and silky custard come together in a dessert that feels like home. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or an indulgent treat any day, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.