There’s something so special about Irish apple cake—it’s rustic, slightly dense, and bursting with fresh apple flavor.
I love making this cake because it’s simple yet incredibly delicious, with a soft, buttery crumb and tender apple pieces throughout.
The best part? It’s served with a warm, creamy custard sauce that adds a rich and luxurious touch.
Whether you’re making this for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy afternoon tea, or just because you love apples, this Traditional Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is sure to become a family favorite!
Imagine the comforting aroma of baked apples and spices wafting through your kitchen. This Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is a delightful treat that not only celebrates the flavors of Ireland but also warms the heart with every bite.
It’s a simple yet satisfying dessert that brings a taste of tradition right to your table.
Perfect for gatherings, this cake is a testament to the beauty of rustic baking. The tartness of the apples pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy custard sauce, creating a harmonious balance that makes each slice irresistible.
Captivating Presentation
Imagine a rustic wooden table adorned with a slice of Irish Apple Cake that beckons you closer. The cake, a golden brown delight, is topped with a velvety drizzle of creamy custard sauce.
This presentation is not just about aesthetics; it sets the stage for a delightful culinary experience.
Fresh apple slices encircle the cake, hinting at the juicy, baked apples nestled within its tender layers.
A gentle sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, inviting everyone to take a seat and enjoy a slice.
The inviting scene conveys a sense of comfort, making this dessert the highlight of any gathering.
Flavorful Layers of Tradition
This Irish Apple Cake embodies the heart of traditional baking, with each ingredient selected to enhance its flavor profile.
The combination of tender apples and spiced batter creates a delightful contrast, while the buttery crumble on top adds a satisfying crunch.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart, a true testament to Irish culinary heritage.
As you delve into the cake, the warm spices envelop your palate, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of autumn in the Irish countryside.
The cake not only celebrates the vibrant flavors of Ireland but also serves as a reminder of the simplicity and joy found in home baking.
Silky Custard Sauce
No dessert is complete without a suitable sauce, and the creamy custard accompanying this cake is nothing short of indulgent.
Its silky texture enhances the experience, providing a rich contrast to the cake’s fluffy crumb. The custard is prepared with care, ensuring that it is thick enough to cling to each slice while still being smooth and luscious.
This custard sauce is not merely an accompaniment; it elevates the entire dish, enhancing the flavors of the baked apples and spices.
Drizzling it over warm slices of Irish Apple Cake brings an extra layer of decadence that will surely please any dessert lover.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or a quiet evening at home, this Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is a fitting choice. Its rustic charm and comforting flavors make it suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to special events.
Guests will appreciate the effort behind this delightful dessert, and it’s sure to spark conversations about cherished memories and family traditions.
Serving it warm with a generous drizzle of custard encourages sharing and enjoyment, creating lasting memories around the table.
Wholesome Ingredients
At the heart of this dessert lies a collection of wholesome ingredients that contribute to its delightful taste and texture.
Using fresh, peeled, and cored apples brings out the natural sweetness, while spices such as cinnamon enhance the overall flavor.
The combination of all-purpose flour and rolled oats ensures a hearty yet tender cake.
The inclusion of butter and eggs provides richness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Optional additions, like chopped walnuts, offer an extra layer of texture and flavor, allowing for personal touches that can customize the cake to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delicious Irish Apple Cake, presentation is key. Slices can be plated individually, drizzled with custard, and garnished with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also emphasizes the cake’s ingredients.
Consider pairing it with a cup of warm tea or coffee to complete the experience. The combination of flavors, warmth, and comfort makes for a delightful conclusion to any meal, ensuring that guests leave with satisfied smiles and fond memories.
Tips for the Best Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce
- Use Tart Apples – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work best for balancing the sweetness.
. - Don’t Overmix the Batter. Mixing just until combined keeps the cake tender.
. - Chill the Custard Before Serving. Letting it rest in the fridge allows the flavors to develop.
. - Serve Warm or at Room Temperature. This cake tastes best when slightly warmed.
. - Make It Ahead! Both the cake and custard can be made a day in advance—just store them properly.
Traditional Irish Apple Cake with Creamy Custard Sauce
Course: DessertCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Moderate8
slices20
minutes50
minutes380
kcalThis Irish Apple Cake features tender apples nestled in a moist, spiced batter, topped with a buttery crumble.
The accompanying custard sauce is silky smooth, making it the ideal complement to this delightful cake.
Ingredients
- For the Irish Apple Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for topping)
- For the Custard Sauce:
2 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).
- Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a crunchy topping.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the Custard Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until just steaming (do not boil).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve warm or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice the Irish apple cake and serve warm.
- Pour custard sauce over each slice.
- Garnish with extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- For a Lighter Cake: Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for added protein.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add More Flavor: Mix in raisins or a splash of Irish whiskey for a bold twist.
- Want Extra Crunch? Add a streusel topping with oats, brown sugar, and butter.
Storage and Warming of Leftovers
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
. - Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
. - Freezing: Freeze the cake (without custard) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
. - Custard Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, stirring before serving.