Description
This traditional Irish Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, rustic treat. Made with tart apples, warm spices, and a tender crumb, it’s beautifully topped with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch. Serve it warm with custard, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for an authentic Irish experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Fruit & Toppings
- 2 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Butter and Sugar: Cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the granulated sugar evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together thoroughly.
- Make the Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently and mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare Apples: Toss the thinly sliced tart apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. Gently fold the apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for a nice, crunchy topping once baked.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm, ideally with traditional warm custard sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Traditionally served with warm custard sauce for an authentic Irish touch.
- Also delicious with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as alternatives.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture contrast.
