Irish apple cake

Irish apple cake is a traditional dessert featuring a rich, buttery texture complemented by sweet and tart apples. This comforting cake combines simple ingredients and is perfect for any occasion.

02 Jan 2026
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
4 apples
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk (1% fat)
Irish apple cake

Irish Apple Cake is a delicious and traditional dessert that originates from Ireland. It combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with the rich and buttery texture of cake. This recipe uses simple ingredients and creates a comforting treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Instructions:

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix together until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the softened butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial to achieving the cake's characteristic texture.
4. Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Once ready, gently fold the apple slices into the flour mixture. Make sure the apple slices are well coated with the flour mixture. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the cake.
5. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the flour and apple mixture. Gently stir until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the cake remains tender.
6. Transfer to the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should feel firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
9. Optional Serving Suggestions:
This Irish apple cake is delightful on its own but can be beautifully complemented with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of custard.

Irish Apple Cake is a flavorful and comforting dessert that is sure to delight your taste buds. By using the right ingredients and following a few simple tips, you can create a beautifully textured cake with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Irish apple cake FAQ:

What is the baking time for Irish apple cake?

Irish apple cake typically bakes for about 45-50 minutes in a preheated oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.

How do I know when the apple cake is done?

To check for doneness, look for a golden brown top and a firm texture. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that the cake is fully baked.

What size cake pan should I use for this recipe?

A standard 9-inch round or an 8-inch square cake pan works well for this Irish apple cake recipe. Ensure the pan is properly greased and floured to prevent sticking.

Can I substitute the apples in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute different apple varieties according to your preference. Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter options like Fuji work well, but it's best to avoid very soft or mealy apples.

How should I store leftover Irish apple cake?

Store the remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips:

- Choose the right apples: For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley. These apples hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

- Prepare the apples properly: Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly to ensure they bake uniformly in the cake.

- Mix dry ingredients first: Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon) before adding the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution.

- Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This helps create a tender and crumbly texture.

- Don’t overmix the batter: When adding the eggs and milk, mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.

- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when the cake is done.

Nutrition per serving

10 Servings
Calories 330kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fiber 2.82g
Sugar 22g
Fat 11g

More recipes

Peanut butter swirl brownies

Indulgent peanut butter swirl brownies with a rich chocolate base.

25 Jan 2026

Creamy lemonade mousse

A light and zesty creamy lemonade mousse dessert.

02 Feb 2026

Herbed soda bread

Quick and flavorful herbed soda bread, perfect for any meal.

15 Nov 2025

Spiced golden syrup whoopie pies

Delicious spiced whoopie pies with creamy filling.

12 Nov 2025

Grapefruit sabayon gratin

A zesty grapefruit dessert topped with creamy sabayon.

31 Jan 2026

Chocolate mousse with salted peanut caramel

Decadent chocolate mousse topped with crunchy salted peanut caramel.

28 Jan 2026

Spiced apple dessert scones

Easy spiced apple dessert scones, perfect for snacking.

17 Nov 2025

Thermomix lemon curd

Quick and tangy Thermomix lemon curd perfect for desserts.

30 Nov 2025

Posts