Irish Apple Cake Recipe

Name: Irish Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1/2cup all purpose flour; 1/2cupgranulated sugar; 1/4cup old fashioned rolled oats; 1/4teaspoon table salt; 1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon; 6tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed; cooking spray; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at roomtemperature; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon table salt; 3 tablespoons whole milk; 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled,sliced 1/4-inch thick; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons whole milk

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

Streusel:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

Cake:

Cooking spray
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons whole milk
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

Cinnamon Glaze:

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons whole milk

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the streusel. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, oats, salt, and cinnamon. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the cubed butter into the mixture until fully incorporated and the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, about 2 minutes. Place the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.

Step 3: For the cake batter, in a medium bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture and beat on low speed until fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Add the milk and continue beating on low speed until combined, about 45 seconds.

Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan. Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Step 6: Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the apples.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown and crisp. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Step 8: After cooling slightly, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 9: For the cinnamon glaze, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 494
Total Fat: 22g (28% DV)
Saturated Fat: 13g (66% DV)
Cholesterol: 101mg (34% DV)
Sodium: 294mg (13% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 68g (25% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
Total Sugars: 37g
Protein: 6g (12% DV)
Calcium: 76mg (6% DV)
Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
Potassium: 154mg (3% DV)

Irish Apple Cake Recipe

The Story Behind Irish Apple Cake

Irish Apple Cake is a traditional dessert that dates back several centuries, rooted in the agricultural lifestyle of Ireland. Apples have long been abundant across the Irish countryside, and families would use them to create hearty, comforting desserts during the autumn harvest. Originally, these cakes were baked in stone ovens and often served as a treat for special occasions, from Sunday gatherings to festive holidays. Over time, the recipe evolved, incorporating butter, sugar, and cinnamon, creating the tender, flavorful cake known today.

Regional Variations

While the basic recipe is widespread, regional differences exist throughout Ireland. In some counties, such as Cork and Kerry, recipes often include a hint of nutmeg or mixed dried fruits, while in Ulster, the emphasis is on a thick, crumbly streusel topping. The choice of apples can vary as well; Granny Smith and Bramley apples are favored for their balance of sweetness and tartness, whereas local varieties may be used in rural homes. These subtle changes reflect the diversity of Irish culinary traditions.

Differences from Similar Cakes

Irish Apple Cake differs from other apple-based desserts like American apple pie or British apple crumble in texture and preparation. Unlike apple pie, which encases apples in a flaky pastry, the Irish version mixes the fruit into a soft, buttery batter, often with a streusel topping. Compared to apple crumble, the cake is denser and more structured, allowing it to be sliced and served as a centerpiece dessert. The cinnamon glaze is also a distinctive touch, adding sweetness and a light aromatic finish.

Where Its Typically Served

This cake is commonly enjoyed with a cup of tea in Irish homes, often in the afternoon as part of tea and cake tradition. It also appears at family celebrations, church gatherings, and festive events such as Christmas or St. Patricks Day. In modern times, Irish Apple Cake has become a staple in cafes and restaurants throughout Ireland, served with cream, custard, or a drizzle of caramel.

Interesting Facts

Traditionally, Irish Apple Cake was made in a round tin, symbolizing unity and sharing among family members.
In some areas, a touch of whiskey is added to the batter or glaze for a subtle warmth and complexity.
Apple trees are a central part of Irelands culinary heritage, and the cake celebrates local harvests each season.
The cakes streusel topping, made with oats and butter, reflects Irelands historic use of simple, readily available ingredients.
Despite its simplicity, Irish Apple Cake has inspired international variations, including versions with caramel, nuts, or even savory twists with cheddar cheese.

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FAQ about Irish Apple Cake Recipe

Store the Irish Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours.

Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor, you can substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just be aware that sweeter apples may affect the overall sweetness of the cake.

Yes, you can skip the streusel topping if you prefer a simpler cake. However, the streusel adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor, so it’s recommended for the best texture and taste.

To make the Irish Apple Cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free, and check the labels for any potential gluten-containing ingredients in the other items.

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. The streusel should be golden brown and crisp.

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

The cinnamon glaze adds a nice finishing touch, but you can skip it if you prefer. You could also try a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Irish Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a perfect dessert for both casual and festive occasions.

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. If you're using a larger pan, the cake may need a little extra time in the oven.