Kitchies! If you’ve never had Irish Apple Cake, get ready to fall in love. This classic Irish dessert is a rustic, lightly spiced apple-studded cake with a tender crumb and a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s not overly sweet, making it the perfect balance between cake and scone. But what really takes it over the top? A rich, silky vanilla custard sauce that drapes over each slice like a warm hug.
This cake has deep roots in Irish baking traditions, dating back to when apples were abundant in the Irish countryside. Traditionally baked in a cast-iron skillet or cake pan, it’s simple yet elegant, meant to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. The best part? It’s easy to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for that homey, comforting feel.
Why You’ll Love This Irish Apple Cake 🍀
✔️ A cozy, comforting dessert – The warm spices and apples create the perfect fall or winter treat.
✔️ Not overly sweet – Just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
✔️ Pairs beautifully with custard – That smooth, creamy vanilla custard is absolute magic.
✔️ Authentic Irish recipe – A traditional take on an old-fashioned favorite.
✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients – No fancy equipment needed!
A Family Favorite for Sunday Afternoons
The first time I made this Irish Apple Cake, my husband and I were sitting by the fireplace, sipping tea, and the house smelled like an Irish bakery. After one bite, he said, “This tastes like something straight out of a cozy café in Dublin!” Now, this cake is a staple in our home—especially on chilly weekends when we want something warm, spiced, and satisfying.
Even our little ones love it! They help mix the batter and sneak apple slices when they think I’m not looking. And let’s be real—the best part is pouring that thick vanilla custard over the warm cake and watching it soak into every crumb. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Why This Irish Apple Cake Stands Out
🍏 Chunks of fresh apples – Not just apple-flavored—actual bites of tender, juicy apple.
🧈 Butter-rich crumb – The texture is light yet moist, almost like a cross between a cake and a scone.
🫙 Warm spices – A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes it extra cozy.
🍮 Velvety vanilla custard sauce – Adds creaminess and makes each bite unforgettable.
Tips for the Best Irish Apple Cake 🏆
✔️ Use tart apples – Granny Smith apples hold their shape best and add a nice tangy contrast.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter – Keep it light and tender.
✔️ Sprinkle brown sugar on top – It creates a lovely, crisp topping.
✔️ Let the custard cool slightly – It thickens as it sits and gets even creamier.
✔️ Make ahead! – The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Substitutions & Variations 🔄
🍏 Different Apples? – Try Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter flavor.
🌱 Dairy-Free? – Use almond milk in the cake and coconut milk in the custard.
🥧 Turn it into muffins! – Bake in a muffin tin for 20-25 minutes for individual apple cakes.
🍮 Skip the custard? – A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce also works beautifully.
Final Thoughts – A Slice of Irish Comfort!
And there you have it—an authentic Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard that’s cozy, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re making this for St. Patrick’s Day, a family gathering, or just because, it’s the kind of dessert that brings warmth and joy to any table.
Give it a try and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy apple cake? 🍏💛
Recipe Categories:
Dessert, Irish Cuisine, Comfort Food, Fall Recipes
Tags:
#IrishAppleCake #TraditionalBaking #CozyDesserts #AppleRecipes #HomemadeCustard
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Irish Apple Cake With Vanilla Custard
Description
This classic Irish dessert is a rustic, lightly spiced apple-studded cake with a tender crumb and a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s not overly sweet, making it the perfect balance between cake and scone.
Ingredients
For the Irish Apple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds warmth!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
For the Vanilla Custard Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan and line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3️⃣ Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, rub the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4️⃣ Stir in the sugar and then make a well in the center.
5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry ingredients and gently mix until combined.
6️⃣ Fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed.
1️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
2️⃣ Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top for a slightly crisp topping.
3️⃣ Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
1️⃣ In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
2️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3️⃣ Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4️⃣ Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5 minutes).
5️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6️⃣ Let it cool slightly before serving. The custard will thicken as it sits.
