Traditional irish apple cake. This is the recipe that reminds me of crisp autumn days, the smell of cinnamon wafting through the air, and cozy chats with family. My grandmother, God rest her soul, made the best traditional irish apple cake, and this version is my attempt to capture her magic. It’s simple, rustic, and utterly delicious.
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This classic irish dessert is more than just a cake; it’s a warm hug on a plate. I remember always sneaking into the kitchen as a child, hoping for a warm bite fresh from the oven. It tastes like home and happiness. Let’s bake some memories together! Ready to dive in?
Why You Will Love This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
This traditional irish apple cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It embodies comfort with every bite. It’s fairly quick to make, especially compared to other fancy desserts, and the flavor profile is a perfect balance of sweet apples and warm spices that’ll leave you craving more.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the simplicity. No complicated techniques, just straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly wonderful. Plus, the scent that fills your kitchen as it bakes is pure bliss. This classic irish dessert is bound to become a family favorite!
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration! And if you love a good Irish treat, be sure to check out my Traditional Irish Soda Bread 2 recipe after this one!
Ingredients Needed for This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious traditional irish apple cake. Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to bake!
*For the Cake:*
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*For the Apple Filling:*
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
*Optional Topping:*
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a delightful traditional irish apple cake? Follow these easy steps to create a masterpiece! This apple cake recipe is a classic for good reason!
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan.
- 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- 4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- 6. In another bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- 7. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the batter. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the apples.
- 8. If using the optional topping, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake.
- 9. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For a fun twist, consider adding some chopped nuts to the batter! And if you’re looking for another way to enjoy the flavors of Ireland, why not bake my Original Irish Soda Bread 2 while the cake is in the oven?
How to Serve This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
This traditional irish apple cake is delightful on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate the experience.
Serve warm or at room temperature. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the spiced apple flavor perfectly. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat. It also pairs well with a light caramel sauce drizzled over the top. A simple custard or crème anglaise would also be delicious.
How to Store This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
Proper storage will keep your traditional irish apple cake fresh and delicious for days!
To store, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes.
Tips to Make This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your traditional irish apple cake turns out perfectly every time!
- Use softened butter for a smooth batter, but do not melt it.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake will be tough.
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added texture.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- A touch of Irish whiskey added to the apple filling can enhance the flavor.
Helpful Notes for This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
Here are some extra clarifications and details to help you succeed with this apple cake recipe.
The best apples to use are ones that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute it with a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar (1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar for 1 teaspoon of baking powder). Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. If you don’t have a 9 inch round cake pan, you can use an 8 inch square pan, but the baking time might need to be adjusted slightly.
Variation of This traditional irish apple cake Recipe
Want to try a different take on this classic irish dessert? Here are some fun variations!
- Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake after baking for a decadent treat.
- Apple Crumble Cake: Add a crumble topping made of flour, butter, and sugar for added texture.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a warmer flavor profile.
- Apple and Pear Cake: Substitute some of the apples with pears for a subtle flavor change.
- Apple Raisin Cake: Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter for a chewy texture.
What is traditional Irish apple cake made of?
Traditional Irish apple cake is typically made with apples, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder. Some recipes also include spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
How do you store traditional Irish apple cake?
You can store traditional Irish apple cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I freeze traditional Irish apple cake?
Yes, you can freeze traditional Irish apple cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
What kind of apples are best for traditional Irish apple cake?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley are often recommended for traditional Irish apple cake. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and they hold their shape well during baking.
Traditional Irish Apple Cake: The Easiest Recipe EVER
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A classic traditional Irish apple cake recipe that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. This rustic apple cake is perfect for a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- In another bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the batter.
- Gently spoon the remaining batter over the apples.
- If using the optional topping, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
