Irish Apple Cake Recipe – A Classic Irish Dessert

The Irish Apple Cake Recipe is a delicious, classic dessert with a soft crumb and juicy apples. It has a mild sweetness, warm cinnamon, and a buttery streusel topping for extra crunch. This cake is easy to make and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy treat. Serve it warm with custard, ice cream, or a cup of tea. Whether you're trying traditional Irish baking or looking for a comforting homemade dessert, this recipe is a must-try!

Benefits of Irish Apple Cake Recipe

Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
Naturally Moist – Apples keep the cake soft and tender.
Not Too Sweet – A perfect balance of flavors.
Versatile – Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or caramel for extra flavor.
Pairs Well with Drinks – Enjoy it with tea, coffee, or warm milk.

Cautions to Keep in Mind

Don’t Overmix the Batter – It can make the cake dense.
Use Firm Apples – Soft apples can make the cake mushy.
Keep Butter Cold for Streusel – Warm butter melts instead of forming a crunchy topping.
Check for Doneness – A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to prevent dryness.
Preheat the Oven – A cold oven can cause uneven baking.

Fun Tidbits About This Recipe

Traditional Irish Apple Cake was originally baked over an open fire in cast-iron pots.
Many families pass down their Irish Apple Cake Recipe for generations.
Unlike American apple cake, the Irish version is less sweet and more rustic.
This cake is often made during apple harvest season in autumn.
Some old recipes used whole wheat flour, making the cake denser.

Traditional vs. Modern Irish Apple Cake Recipe

Feature	Traditional Irish Apple Cake	Modern Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients	Simple, local ingredients like flour, butter, and fresh apples.	Includes streusel topping for extra crunch and sweetness.
Baking Method	Baked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire.	Baked in a conventional oven with controlled temperature.
Sweetness Level	Mildly sweet, relying on natural apple flavors.	Slightly sweeter with added cinnamon and vanilla.
Texture	Dense, almost bread-like.	Light, moist, and cake-like.
Topping	No streusel, sometimes just a light dusting of sugar.	Buttery oat streusel topping for extra flavor.
Serving Style	Served warm with cream or custard.	Enjoyed with ice cream, caramel, or a drizzle of glaze.
Customization	Rarely altered, made with classic ingredients.	Easily modified with nuts, spices, or different apple varieties.

This Irish Apple Cake Recipe combines the best of tradition with modern baking techniques. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion! Would you like any modifications or extra details? 😊

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: European, Irish

Courses: Desert

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 175 C

Servings: 8

Estimated Cost: $ 12

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Best Season: Winter, Autumn

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This Irish Apple Cake is a classic dessert featuring tender, spiced apples nestled in a moist, buttery cake. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon-oat streusel and finished with a light cinnamon glaze, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy dessert. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, with warm spices, makes this a comforting treat.

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour (65g)
½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
¼ cup rolled oats (25g)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (85g)

For the Cake Batter:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
¼ cup light brown sugar (50g)
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour (155g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons whole milk (45ml)
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch thick slices

For the Cinnamon Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Streusel Topping

1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, rolled oats, salt, and ground cinnamon.
2
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture.
3
Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it forms small, coarse crumbs.
4
Place the prepared streusel in the refrigerator while preparing the cake to keep the butter firm.

2. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake Pan

5
Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat.
6
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
7
Optionally, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

8
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
9
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
10
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

11
Add the first egg and beat until fully combined.
12
Add the second egg and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth.
13
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix for an additional 30 seconds.

5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

14
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
15
Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

16
Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
17
Pour in half of the milk and mix gently.
18
Repeat the process:
19
Add another ⅓ of the dry ingredients, mix lightly.
20
Add the remaining milk, mix again.
21
Finish with the last portion of dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
22
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake texture soft and tender.

7. Prepare the Apple Layer

23
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
24
For extra flavor, toss the apples in 1 tablespoon of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional).

8. Assemble the Cake

25
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
26
Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a single layer.
27
Spoon the remaining batter over the apples and gently spread to cover them.
28
Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the cake.

9. Bake the Cake

29
Place the cake in the preheated oven on the middle rack.
30
Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
31
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

10. Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

32
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl.
33
Stir until smooth and drizzle-ready.

11. Cool the Cake

34
Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
35
Carefully run a knife around the edges and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Drizzle with Cinnamon Glaze & Serve

36
Once the cake is slightly warm or fully cooled, drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top.
37
Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla custard for an authentic Irish treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 55mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 25g
Protein 4g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

1. History and Origin of Irish Apple Cake

Irish Apple Cake is a traditional Irish dessert that dates back to times when home baking was a cherished skill in rural Ireland. Apples were widely available, and home bakers used them to create simple yet flavorful cakes for family gatherings. Unlike American-style apple cakes that are often very sweet and dense, the Irish version has a more rustic texture and a mild sweetness, making it ideal for serving with custard or cream.

2. Why This Recipe Works

a) Perfect Balance of Flavors

This cake achieves a harmonious balance between sweet and tart flavors. The Granny Smith apples add a touch of tanginess, while the cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla provide warmth and depth.

b) Tender and Moist Texture

By alternating dry ingredients and milk in the mixing process, the batter develops a soft and tender crumb. Additionally, the natural moisture from the apples ensures that the cake stays moist without being dense.

c) Streusel for Extra Crunch

The oat and cinnamon streusel topping adds an irresistible crumbly texture, which contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake. The buttery topping enhances the overall taste, making every bite satisfying.

3. Choosing the Right Apples

a) Best Apple Varieties for Baking

Not all apples are suitable for baking. Some become mushy, while others retain their shape well. The best apples for this recipe are:

Granny Smith – Tart and firm, they balance the cake’s sweetness.
Honeycrisp – Adds a natural sweetness and holds its shape well.
Braeburn – Slightly sweet with a crisp texture.

b) Apples to Avoid

Red Delicious – Too soft and lacks enough acidity for flavor balance.
McIntosh – Breaks down quickly, making the cake too wet.

4. Key Baking Techniques

a) Creaming Butter and Sugar

Beating butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes helps incorporate air, creating a lighter cake texture.
Skipping this step can result in a denser cake.

b) Avoid Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to a tough, dry cake.
Mix just until combined for a soft texture.

c) Layering the Apples Properly

Arranging a single even layer of apple slices between the batter prevents soggy spots.
This method ensures the apples distribute their moisture evenly throughout the cake.

d) Using Cold Butter for Streusel

Cold butter helps form a crunchy streusel topping.
If the butter is too warm, the topping will melt into the cake rather than forming a crumbly layer.

5. Variations & Substitutions

a) Dairy-Free Option

Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.

b) Gluten-Free Adaptation

Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your gluten-free flour mix doesn’t already include it.

c) Adding Nuts for Extra Crunch

Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the streusel topping for more texture.

d) Making It a Layer Cake

Double the recipe and bake in two 8-inch cake pans for a stacked apple cake.
Spread a layer of whipped cream or cinnamon-spiced buttercream between the layers.

6. Serving Suggestions

a) Traditional Irish Style

Serve warm with custard sauce for an authentic Irish experience.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.

b) With a Modern Twist

Drizzle with salted caramel sauce for extra richness.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

c) Best Beverages to Pair With It

Hot Tea: A classic pairing, especially Irish Breakfast Tea.
Coffee: Complements the cake’s cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
Apple Cider: Enhances the fruitiness of the apples.

7. Storage & Shelf Life

a) Storing at Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity.

b) Refrigeration

If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

c) Freezing the Cake

Wrap the cake (without glaze) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.

8. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

a) Cake Turns Out Too Dry

Check your baking time—overbaking will dry out the cake.
Use the toothpick test—remove the cake as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

b) Streusel Topping Sinks Into the Cake

Ensure your butter is cold when making the streusel.
Refrigerate the topping before adding it to the cake.

c) Apples Release Too Much Moisture

Avoid overly juicy apples like Fuji or McIntosh.
Lightly coat the apple slices in flour before adding them to the batter.

9. Why You Should Try This Recipe

Traditional & Authentic: A time-honored Irish recipe.
Easy to Make: Simple steps for a bakery-quality dessert.
Customizable: Can be adapted for different diets and preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, family gatherings, or afternoon tea.

Keywords: Irish apple cake, traditional Irish dessert, apple cinnamon cake, apple streusel cake, easy apple cake, Irish baking

Read it online: https://aroundrecipe.com/recipe/irish-apple-cake-recipe/

Samantha Doe

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.