Irish Apple Cake Recipe (With Custard Sauce)
Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is a classic Irish dessert featuring tender apples baked into a lightly spiced, moist cake. This traditional treat, often served with a rich, homemade vanilla custard sauce, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh apples, it has a soft yet slightly crumbly texture, making it a comforting favorite. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of cream or ice cream, this cake is a delightful way to embrace Irish baking traditions. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy gathering!
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
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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Serving Suggestions
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 25g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!