Try this delectable Irish apple cake recipe
Are you tired of the same old dessert recipes? Do you want to try a unique, Irish-inspired treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this easy Irish apple cake recipe!
Irish cuisine is often overlooked in the culinary world, but it has so much to offer in terms of flavor and tradition. This authentic Irish apple cake is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a mouth-watering dish.
The combination of tart granny smith apples, warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a hint of Calvados apple brandy make this cake moist and bursting with flavor. And when paired with vanilla custard sauce, it becomes a decadent dessert that is sure to please any palate.
Don’t let the name fool you – this recipe is quick and easy to make, even for novice bakers. So whether you’re looking for a new dessert to impress your guests or simply want to enjoy a slice of traditional Irish comfort food, this recipe is the perfect choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the air is a surefire way to make anyone’s mouth water. And that’s exactly what you can expect from this Irish Apple Cake recipe. But it’s not just the aroma that will have you falling in love with this gem of a recipe.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated steps for this one. All you need is a bowl, an oven, and some basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
But what really sets this Irish Apple Cake apart is its taste. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves create a flavor explosion in your mouth. And the texture? Moist, fluffy, and utterly comforting.
Not to mention, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion. Serve it as a cozy breakfast with a drizzle of vanilla custard sauce or as a show-stopping dessert at your next dinner party.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s easy, delicious, and embodies all the warmth and comfort of traditional Irish cuisine. Give it a try – I guarantee it will become one of your go-to recipes for years to come.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make an Irish apple cake that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe makes use of simple ingredients easily found in your pantry or local grocery store.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (4oz/115g) self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (250g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
Apples:
- 2 granny smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 kerry apple or cooking apple, peeled and diced
Using granny smith apples will provide the right amount of tartness while a kerry apple or a cooking apple will balance the sweetness of the cake. You can also choose to add some Calvados apple brandy to enhance the flavor of your Irish apple cake.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get baking! Here is a step-by-step guide to making an Irish Apple Cake.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients for this recipe:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups of Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Cup (4oz/115g) of unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups (250g) of Self-Rising Flour
- 2 tsp of Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp of Salt
- 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 4 Cooking Apples, peeled and sliced
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C/Gas Mark 4).
- Take a large bowl and beat two eggs until they are light and fluffy.
- Stir in sugar and mix well with the eggs.
- Add in softened butter, flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients well until a smooth batter forms.
- Then, fold in apple slices into batter by hand.
- Grease a cake pan with extra butter and dust some flour onto it. This prevents sticking and helps give your cake that crispy golden crust.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan until roughly even across the surface.
- Bake in oven at 325°F/163°C for approximately 45 minutes to an hour until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once done, remove from oven and allow the cake to cool on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes before serving.
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Irish Apple Cake!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always options to make substitutions or try variations to personalize the dish to your taste preferences. Here are a few suggestions for modifying this Irish apple cake recipe:
– Apples: Instead of Granny Smith apples, you can use other varieties such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Pink Lady for a unique flavor twist. If you prefer your cake to be less tart, use sweeter apples instead.
– Flour: If you do not have self-rising flour, do not worry. To make your own self-rising flour, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt together.
– Sugar: You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar for an alternate taste.
– Butter: Any type of unsalted butter will work for this recipe. Using salted butter will add a slightly different taste but still works well in making the cake moist and decadent.
– Spices: Adding ground cinnamon or nutmeg will provide more spice flavors and warmth to the cake.
Also, if you wish to get creative with serving ideas, try the following:
– Serve it with a dollop of vanilla custard on top or next to it. The warm and creamy custard pairs well with the moist Irish apple cake.
– Drizzle Calvados apple brandy over the top of the hot cake just before serving for an added adult kick.
– Make it into an apple sponge cake by lining the bottom of your cake pan with thinly sliced apples before pouring batter on top.
Overall, experimenting with variations can enhance the flavor profile of this authentic Irish apple cake recipe while retaining its traditional charm.
Serving and Pairing
Serving this Irish Apple Cake is a true delight. The aroma of freshly baked apples and buttery crust wafts through the air as you slice into the cake, revealing tender apple pieces scattered throughout.
This cake is perfect for an afternoon snack or as part of a brunch spread. It pairs well with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of Calvados apple brandy. I highly recommend serving it with a side of homemade vanilla custard to enhance the cake’s subtle sweetness.
For a truly authentic Irish experience, serve this cake in slices with generous drizzles of warm custard sauce over the top. Trust me; it adds an additional layer of richness and depth to this classic dessert.
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a traditional Irish dessert, this Irish Apple Cake won’t disappoint. Its rustic appearance combined with its delicious taste makes for a show-stopping center-piece that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Irish Apple Cake recipe is that it can be made in advance and stored for a few days without losing its flavor and texture. Once you’ve baked your cake, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap tightly to prevent any air from getting in.
You can store the wrapped cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re planning on storing the cake for longer than a week, it’s best to freeze it. To do this, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer bag.
When it’s time to serve your Irish Apple Cake, remove it from the freezer or refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before reheating it. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven at a low temperature until they are warmed through.
For an extra special treat, try serving your Irish Apple Cake with warm vanilla custard sauce. Nothing beats the combination of warm cake and creamy custard on a chilly evening!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Irish apple cake, there are a few things you can do to ensure success. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when making this recipe.
1. Use room temperature ingredients
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. Room temperature ingredients mix better and result in a lighter, fluffier cake. Cold ingredients can cause your batter to curdle or become lumpy.
2. Choose the right apples
When selecting apples for this recipe, choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smiths. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake batter. But if you prefer sweeter apples, you can use a different variety like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
3. Don’t overmix the batter
When adding dry ingredients to wet ingredients, it’s important to mix just until everything is combined- don’t overmix! Over mixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.
4. Add some extra flavor
For an extra kick of flavor, add a splash Calvados apple brandy or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cake batter. These additions will enhance the warm aroma of the apples and give your Irish apple cake a delicious twist.
5. Use a cast iron skillet
To achieve that classic rustic look and crispy edges, bake your cake in a cast iron skillet instead of traditional baking pans. The even heat distribution helps create an evenly baked cake with golden brown edges.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create an authentic Irish apple cake that will impress anyone who tries it!
FAQ
As we wrap up this recipe article, I want to address some frequently asked questions about this Irish Apple Cake recipe. These questions include tips on substitutions and variations, serving and pairing recommendations, and how to store and reheat the cake to keep it fresh. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
What is Irish apple cake made of?
For the Irish Apple Cake, we will need a set of ingredients that will make the cake light, fresh and infused with the delectable flavor of fresh apples. To achieve this, we will use unsalted butter that gives it a rich flavor and keeps the cake moist. We will also be using granulated sugar as it perfectly blends the sweetness with a smooth texture. The exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card.
What is the national dessert of Ireland?
No list of Irish desserts would be complete without the mention of the much-loved Guinness cake. This rich chocolate confection offers a unique twist to traditional cakes and can be topped with Baileys frosting to capture the authentic Irish taste and look.
Why is it called Irish apple cake?
In the past, Irish apple cakes were cooked in pots beside an open fire due to the absence of ovens. These cakes were commonly made using small crab apples, which were readily available in Ireland.
What can I use instead of Calvados in apple cake?
One option to enhance the rich flavor of your British cuisine is to incorporate Calvados, an apple brandy hailing from Normandy. However, if Calvados is not accessible, there are other potential substitutes such as apple brandy alternatives, brandy, Cognac, or dark rum. In the event that you prefer to forego alcohol entirely, it is possible to omit the brandy and double the vanilla extract. It is worth noting, however, that the name and taste of the tart is influenced greatly by the addition of brandy, so expect a significant difference in flavor if you opt for a non-alcoholic substitution.
Bottom Line
:
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious dessert recipe, look no further than this Irish Apple Cake. It’s a cake that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for any occasion or time of year. Plus, with its versatile ingredients list, it’s easy to make substitutions or variations for different dietary needs or personal preferences.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I highly recommend this recipe for anyone looking to explore traditional Irish desserts. This sweet and tangy cake will transport your taste buds to the heart of Ireland and leave you feeling satisfied and content. So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of authentic Irish apple cake.
Easy Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 3 -4 cooking apples
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 -3 tablespoon milk
- 1 -3 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Grease an 8-inch springform pan.
- Cut wax paper to fit and line the bottom of the pan.
- Sift flour, salt, and ground cloves into a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture has the consistency of fine crumbs.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Add the apples and sugar to the flour mixture.
- Stir in the eggs and enough milk to leave the dough stiff.
- Turn the dough into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
- Bake 45 minutes until crisp and golden in color.
- HINT: The best thing about this Irish dessert recipe is that it is absolutely delicious served either warm or cold. If served warm, consider topping it with heavy cream.
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.