Few desserts capture the rustic charm of the Irish countryside like Irish Apple Cake. This traditional recipe blends tender, tart apples with a warm, spiced cake that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.
Topped with a buttery streusel-like crumble and served with a drizzle of custard or cream, this cake is both hearty and indulgent—a dessert that brings comfort to every bite.
I first discovered Irish Apple Cake during a visit to a quaint Irish café, where the simple yet divine flavors instantly transported me to the rolling green hills of Ireland. Back home, I recreated it in my kitchen, pairing it with a cup of Irish Coffee to evoke that same magical moment.
When I’m feeling extra indulgent, a plate of Shortbread Cookies on the side makes it an even more delightful treat.
This recipe is special not only for its heartwarming flavor but also for its history—it’s a dessert that was traditionally baked to celebrate the apple harvest.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and satisfying, Irish Apple Cake will deliver a little piece of Ireland to your table.
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- Rustic charm in every bite: This cake is the perfect mix of comforting spices, tender apples, and a buttery crumble.
- Easy to make, easier to love: Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is always a hit.
- Rich in tradition: Its roots in Irish heritage make it a dessert with a story worth savoring.
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a quiet slice with coffee, Irish Apple Cake is a dessert that never fails to impress. It’s simple, soulful, and irresistibly delicious!
Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 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
- about 3 Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced. Mine weighed a little over a pound 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 in small pieces
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- custard sauce
- 6 large egg yolks
- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ~ you can also use half and half or cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the custard sauce: Simmer milk, whisk egg yolks with sugar, gradually combine, and cook until thickened. Strain, add vanilla, and chill.
- Make streusel topping: Mix butter, flour, sugar, and oats until crumbly, then refrigerate.
- Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; fold into the batter with milk or cream.
- Spread batter in the prepared pan, layer with sliced apples, and sprinkle with streusel.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden and set.
- Cool slightly, dust with confectioner’s sugar, and serve with chilled custard sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 372 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 27g |
Expert Tips for Your Streusel Apple Cake with Custard Sauce!
- Choose the Right Apples: Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firm texture, which hold up beautifully during baking. Avoid overly sweet or soft apples, as they can make the cake mushy.
- Perfect Streusel Texture: When making the streusel, use cold butter straight from the fridge and work it into the flour mixture quickly with your fingertips or a pastry cutter. This ensures the topping stays crumbly and doesn’t melt into the batter.
- Layer Strategically: Arrange the apple slices slightly overlapping each other for a more uniform bake and a visually appealing presentation when sliced.
- Custard Consistency: When cooking the custard sauce, keep the heat low and stir constantly. A quick rise in temperature can lead to scrambled eggs. If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Batter Spread Hack: The batter will be thick, so use a spatula lightly greased with butter or oil to spread it evenly in the pan. This prevents it from sticking and ensures an even base for the apples.
- Cool and Dust Smart: Let the cake cool slightly before dusting it with the confectioner’s sugar. If the cake is too warm, the sugar will dissolve and lose its visual charm.
- Make-Ahead Components: Both the custard sauce and streusel topping can be prepared a day in advance. Store the custard in the fridge and the streusel in the freezer to save time on baking day.
- Serve Warm: While the cake is delightful at room temperature, warming it slightly before serving enhances the flavor and makes the custard sauce even more indulgent.
- Texture Upgrade: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch that complements the apples beautifully.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake near the end of the baking time. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Make sure the apples on top are tender as well.
- Leftovers Pro Tip: Store leftover cake tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature to keep the streusel crispy.
- Custard Garnish: Drizzle chilled custard sauce over the cake just before serving and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for a sophisticated finish.
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