How to Make a Classic Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a Classic Irish Apple Cake. This rustic dessert combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices, creating a treat that’s comforting and delicious.

To make it even better, it’s traditionally served with a creamy custard sauce—the perfect companion to its crumbly texture. If you’re looking to bring a piece of Ireland to your table, follow this step-by-step guide to mastering this delightful dessert.

What is an Irish Apple Cake?

Irish Apple Cake is a traditional dessert with deep roots in Irish cooking. Historically, it was made with ingredients readily available on farms, such as apples, flour, and butter. It’s a versatile dessert that’s not too sweet, making it ideal for both teatime and after-dinner indulgence.

The true magic of this cake lies in its texture—soft, spiced apples baked into a dense yet moist cake, often topped with a crunchy streusel layer. Pair it with a velvety custard sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is timeless.

Ingredients for Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce

To make this classic dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, cold and diced

For the Custard Sauce:

  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before starting, ensure your butter is cold and your apples are peeled, cored, and sliced thinly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices give the cake its warm and cozy flavor.

Incorporate the Butter

Add the diced cold butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving the cake’s tender texture.

Add the Apples

Gently fold the sliced apples into the dry mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This helps distribute the fruit throughout the cake.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the streusel topping. Add the cold, diced butter and use your fingers to rub it into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, ensuring an even layer across the top.

5. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The streusel should be golden and slightly crisp.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Custard Sauce

Heat the Milk

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Remove from heat.

Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and slightly thickened.

Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Cook the Custard

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient—this can take 5–7 minutes. Do not let it boil, as this can curdle the custard.

Add Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly before serving.

Serving Your Irish Apple Cake

To serve, slice the cake into generous wedges and drizzle each piece with the warm custard sauce. The combination of the spiced apples, buttery cake, and creamy custard is heavenly.

Tips for Success

  • Use Tart Apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Bramley work best as they balance the sweetness of the cake.
  • Keep the Butter Cold: This is essential for creating a tender crumb in both the cake and streusel.
  • Don’t Skip the Custard: While the cake is delicious on its own, the custard sauce elevates it to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This Classic Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Irish tradition. Its combination of simple, wholesome ingredients and rich flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering, especially on occasions like St. Patrick’s Day.

Whether you’re new to Irish cooking or a seasoned baker, this recipe is approachable and endlessly rewarding. So grab your apron and enjoy bringing this timeless treat to your table!

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Bake Across Europe

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Michael Davis

Michael has a passion for comfort food and is always looking for ways to reinvent the classics. He loves cooking for his family and finds inspiration in the traditional flavors he’s enjoyed since childhood. For him, cooking is a way to relax and create something special for others.

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