Irish Apple Cake Recipe (With Custard Sauce)
A Traditional Irish Delight
There’s something truly special about an Irish apple cake. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, bringing comfort with every bite. The first time I had traditional Irish apple cake, I was a little girl and it was at a family gathering on St. Patrick’s Day. My grandmother made it from scratch. The aroma of cinnamon, baked apples, and warm spices filled the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. And of course, she served it with a warm custard sauce, making it the ultimate Irish dessert experience.
So today, I’m sharing my grandma’s Irish apple cake recipe with you, along with a step-by-step guide on how to make a homemade custard sauce to pour over the top.
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The Origin of Irish Apple Cake
Irish-style apple cake has been a beloved treat in Ireland for generations. Historically, apples were a staple in Irish households, and people would bake them into a rustic cake using simple ingredients. The cake was often enjoyed as a comfort food at the dinner table, served warm with a vanilla custard sauce or even a scoop of ice cream. Over time, different regions developed their own versions, including the well-known Kerry apple cake, which features a crumbly texture and streusel topping.
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Ingredients List For The Irish Apple Cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 3 large granny smith apples (or honeycrisp apples), peeled and sliced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Custard Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 tablespoons tablespoons milk (optional for thinning)
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Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Springform pan (or cake pan)
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Wire rack for cooling
- Plastic wrap (for storage)
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How to Make Irish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a springform pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This prevents them from browning and enhances the tartness.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- In a separate bowl whisk the wet ingredients: egg yolks, whole milk, and vanilla bean extract.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the apple slices gently.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the greased springform pan.
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a crunchy top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
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How to Make Kerry Apple Cake
Kerry apple cake is a regional variation of Irish apple cake that is slightly denser with a crumbly, streusel-like topping. To make Kerry apple cake, follow the same steps as the traditional Irish apple cake, but before baking, prepare a simple topping by mixing 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of butter until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the cake batter before placing it in the oven. This adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness that sets Kerry apple cake apart from other variations.
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How to Make the Custard Sauce
Step 1: Heat the Milk
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat milk until warm but not boiling.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.
- Slowly add the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
Step 3: Cook the Custard
- Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring with the back of a spoon until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean.
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Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with custard sauce.
- Add a scoop of ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee.
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Vegan & Gluten-Free Versions
Vegan Irish Apple Cake Recipe
- Replace butter with coconut oil.
- Use flaxseed instead of egg yolks.
- Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk.
Gluten-Free Irish Apple Cake Recipe
- Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
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Nutritional Content (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 280 |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 25g |
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Final Thoughts about this Irish apple cake recipe
This Irish apple cake recipe is the perfect way to bring a taste of Ireland into your home. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a flavorful cake, this recipe is a must-try. With its moist cake texture, crunchy top, and delicious warm custard sauce, it’s no wonder this dessert has stood the test of time. Next time you need a cozy dessert, this one won’t disappoint!
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FAQs
1. What kind of apples should I use for Irish apple cake?
Granny Smith apples or Honeycrisp apples are the best apples for this recipe due to their tartness and firm texture.
2. Is Kerry apple cake the same as Irish apple cake?
Kerry apple cake is a regional variation of Irish apple cake. It typically has a crumbly texture and may include a streusel topping, while traditional Irish apple cake is often more moist and dense.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
4. Can I freeze Irish apple cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Can I use a stand mixer instead of a pastry cutter?
Yes! Use the paddle attachment to mix the flour mixture.
Printable Recipe Card
Irish Apple Cake Recipe (With Custard Sauce)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Springform pan (or cake pan)
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Wire rack for cooling
- Plastic wrap (for storage)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 3 large granny smith apples or honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Custard Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 tablespoons tablespoons milk optional for thinning
Instructions
How to Make Irish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a springform pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This prevents them from browning and enhances the tartness.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- In a separate bowl whisk the wet ingredients: egg yolks, whole milk, and vanilla bean extract.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the apple slices gently.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the greased springform pan.
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a crunchy top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
How to Make the Custard Sauce
Step 1: Heat the Milk
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat milk until warm but not boiling.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.
- Slowly add the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
Step 3: Cook the Custard
- Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring with the back of a spoon until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean.
Notes
- Serve warm with custard sauce.
- Add a scoop of ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee.
- Replace butter with coconut oil.
- Use flaxseed instead of egg yolks.
- Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk.
- Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
