Description
This comforting Irish apple cake features tender apples layered in a rustic, buttery crumb cake, finished with a silky homemade custard sauce. It’s a cozy dessert perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for tossing with apples)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for tossing with apples)
- 2 cups whole milk (for custard sauce, or half-and-half)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for custard sauce)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for custard sauce, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Peel, core, and chop apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and milk until just combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low or by hand until just combined.
- Gently fold in cinnamon-sugar apples. If batter is too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Spoon batter into prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For custard sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (7-10 minutes). Do not boil. Strain if lumpy.
- Slice cake and serve warm, drizzled with custard sauce. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. If the cake browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. The recipe is forgiving—substitute pears or other fruit if needed. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use appropriate flour and milk substitutes. Custard sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated. Sprinkle coarse sugar or nuts on top for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake with custard sauce)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Irish apple cake, apple dessert, custard sauce, traditional Irish recipe, easy apple cake, St. Patrick's Day dessert, fall baking, comfort food