Delectable Irish Apple Cake Recipe | Perfect for Dessert
Are you in the mood for a delicious treat that will transport you straight to the Irish countryside? Look no further than this Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake Recipe. Inspired by traditional Irish desserts, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from St. Patrick’s Day festivities to a cozy Sunday brunch.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I’ve experimented with countless recipes, but this one holds a special place in my heart – and stomach. The simple yet flavorful combination of cooking apples, butter, sugar, and plain flour creates a moist and delectable cake that will leave your taste buds craving more.
What makes this recipe truly unique is its origin. The Country Women’s Association of Australia is known for its commitment to preserving traditional recipes and techniques passed down through generations. This Irish Apple Cake Recipe is no exception – it’s been perfected over time to create a warm and comforting dessert that will bring joy to anyone who tastes it.
So why wait? Grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings while providing an authentic taste of Ireland? Look no further than the Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake Recipe!
This recipe boasts a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, achieved through cooking the apples until they are soft and caramelized. The cake itself is moist, thanks to the combination of butter, milk and eggs, which ensures it’s incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
One bite into this sumptuous cake will transport you straight to the green hills of Ireland. Its traditional flavor is a testament to the authenticity of the dish, which has been passed down for generations. You’ll love how versatile this recipe is – it can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast treat or as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal.
Impress your guests with this delightful dessert at your next gathering! The Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake Recipe is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or mid-week dinners when you crave something sweet. Once you try it, you’ll understand why authentic Irish recipes continue to be popular all over the world. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this scrumptious cake!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake Recipe:
- 225g (8oz) cooking apples, peeled and cored roughly chopped
- 125g (4.4oz) butter
- 125g (4.4oz) sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 250g (8.8oz) plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup milk
This recipe stays true to its traditional Irish roots with classic ingredients like cooking apples and butter as well as staple baking ingredients like plain flour and baking powder. The balance of the sugar and egg give it just the right amount of sweetness without being overly rich or heavy. Make sure to have these ingredients on hand before you start making this scrumptious cake!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start making this delicious Irish Apple Cake. In this section, I will guide you through the steps to make this cake recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core roughly 4 cooking apples. After you’ve done that, chop them into small chunks.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine 250g plain flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 125g sugar. Mix them well together.
Take 125g butter and rub it into the mixture until it resembles fine bread crumbs.
Create a well in the center of the mixture and add in 1 beaten egg. Mix well, then gradually add in 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you get a soft dropping consistency. Add in your chopped apples.
Step 3: Bake Your Cake
Grease an 8inch cake tin with butter and line it with greaseproof paper. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level it out with a spatula.
Bake in the oven at 170C (150C fan) for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked all the way through.
Allow it to cool down completely before removing from the tin.
Note: You can check if your cake is cooked by inserting a skewer into its center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done.
Step 4: Serve
Once your cake has cooled down, slice it up and serve it with some custard sauce. This dessert recipe will surely be a hit at any St Patrick’s Day celebration!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to add a twist to this traditional recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try out.
For those looking to make a gluten-free version of this cake, you can substitute the plain flour with almond flour or oat flour. These flours have a slightly nutty flavor that will complement the sweetness of the apples perfectly.
If you don’t have any cooking apples on hand, don’t worry. You can use any variety of apple you like but keep in mind that some may not hold up as well during cooking. Tart apples such as Granny Smith are an excellent alternative to cooking apples as they have a similar texture and hold their shape well.
Are you looking for a richer flavor profile? Try substituting some of the milk with heavy cream or using brown sugar instead of white sugar. Alternatively, you can add some mixed nuts to the batter to give it that extra crunch.
To make this dessert truly decadent, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream. For those looking to incorporate whiskey into this classic Irish recipe, you can add a splash of your favorite variety to the batter before baking.
Finally, for those who want to try something completely unconventional, why not bake this cake in a cast-iron skillet instead of a cake pan? This will give the crust an extra crispy texture while keeping the inside of the cake moist and fluffy.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, this Irish apple cake recipe is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – after all, what’s cooking without a little creativity?
Serving and Pairing
This delicious Irish apple cake is perfect for any occasion, from a mid-week treat to a special dessert for St. Patrick’s Day. It can be served on its own or paired with different accompaniments depending on your preferences.
One great way to serve this cake is to top it with some homemade caramel sauce. The sweet and buttery caramel sauce pairs perfectly with the tangy flavor of the apples and the spiced notes of the cake, creating a decadent and unforgettable dessert.
For an even more authentic Irish dessert experience, you can serve this cake with a side of custard sauce. This traditional sauce adds a creamy and velvety texture that contrasts perfectly with the light and fluffy sponge of the cake.
If you’re looking for something simpler, you can always sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cake before serving. The delicate sweetness of the sugar enhances the natural flavors of the apples and rounds up this classic dessert nicely.
Of course, you can also pair this cake with some beverages to enhance the taste experience. A hot cup of green tea or coffee will bring out the nutty and earthy flavors in this dish, while whiskey or even a green beer can add a delightful touch of festivity to your meal.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this authentic Irish apple cake recipe is sure to impress your friends and family with its comforting flavors and rustic charm.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made your delicious Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake, it’s important to know how to store and reheat it properly. This cake is so easy to make ahead and perfect for any occasion, so you can even make it a day or two in advance.
To store the cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you decide to store it in the fridge, let it come to room temperature before reheating it.
To reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet. Bake it for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
If you have leftovers after reheating your cake, don’t worry – this cake still tastes amazing even when it’s a few days old! You can enjoy it with some whipped cream, custard sauce or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Overall, with its moist texture and sweet apple flavor, this Irish apple cake is perfect as a make-ahead dessert that can be stored and reheated easily. You can serve this delicious cake at St Patrick’s Day celebrations, afternoon tea parties or even casual gatherings with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. Here are my recommendations for achieving the best results:
1. Use the right apples: Use cooking apples like Granny Smith or Bramley apples for this recipe. They hold their shape well when baked and don’t turn mushy.
2. Grease and flour your cake pan: To ensure your cake doesn’t stick to the pan, generously grease it with butter or oil and dust with flour before adding your batter.
3. Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
4. Add a pinch of salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
5. Use room temperature ingredients: Baking with room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, allows them to blend together more easily, creating a smooth and fluffy texture in your cake.
6. Check for doneness: Test if your cake is done by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If not, bake it for a few more minutes.
7. Let it cool before cutting: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allowing it to cool will prevent it from falling apart when sliced.
8. Top with caramel sauce: To take your Irish Apple Cake to the next level, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over each slice. It adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that compliments this already delicious dessert.
By following these tips, you’re sure to create an amazingly moist and flavorful Irish Apple Cake that everyone will love!
FAQ
As we approach the end of this CWA Irish Apple Cake recipe article, I want to address any potential questions that may arise. Whether you are an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, it’s always helpful to have answers to any uncertainties you may face. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this traditional Irish dessert recipe.
What is Irish apple cake made of?
For making Irish Apple Cake, we’ll need the perfect combination of ingredients to give the cake a light, fresh, and apple-filled taste. In order to achieve this, we’ll be using unsalted butter for its rich flavor and moisture retention properties. Granulated sugar will add a sweet and smooth texture to the cake. All the required measurements are listed below for your convenience.
Why is it called Irish apple cake?
Back in the day, Irish apple cakes used to be steamed over an open fire as ovens were a luxury. Moreover, they were made mainly from crab apples, which were smaller than the ones we use now, but were plentiful in Ireland.
How to make apple cake Mary Berry?
For this recipe, you will need 225g/8oz of cold baking spread and some extra for greasing, 225g/8oz of caster sugar, 225g/8oz of self-raising flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 4 large free-range eggs that have already been beaten, 2 eating apples that have been previously peeled, cored and grated, and some icing sugar for dusting.
What is the difference between apple cake and apple pie?
While pies commonly feature a pastry crust and a filling of fruit, meat, or pudding, cakes are defined by ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and leavening agents like baking powder or soda. The very definition of a cake includes a sweetness factor and lacks the crust commonly found in various pies.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try for all lovers of traditional Irish desserts. With its delectable combination of sweet, juicy apples and moist sponge cake, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have no trouble whipping it up in just a matter of minutes.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply looking for a delicious dessert to serve at your next dinner party, this Irish apple cake recipe is sure to impress. And don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own! From adding a splash of whiskey to pouring custard sauce over the top, the options are endless.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your cast iron skillet and get ready to indulge in some authentic Irish cuisine. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Country Women’s Association Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 125 g sugar
- 125 g butter
- 3 -4 cooking apples, peeled cored and roughly chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Grease a 20cm round cake tin.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder and the sugar.
- Cut in the butter roughly with a knife (do not rub it in).
- Add the apples.
- Stir in the egg and milk to make a fairly stiff mixture. The batter will appear fairly lumpy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin.
- Bake for about 1 hour.
- Serve hot with custard or ice-cream.
- This cake can be cooked ahead and reheated in the microwave as needed.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.