Delicious Irish Apple Cake Recipe Perfect for Fall
Hear ye, hear ye, and gather round! I have a recipe that will surely make your taste buds dance with joy. Behold, the classic Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce Recipe. This dessert is a perfect representation of the warm and welcoming nature of the Irish people, and it promises to take you on a journey to the rolling hills of Ireland right from the comfort of your own home.
The Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce is an old-fashioned dessert that uses simple yet delicious ingredients. From the tangy Granny Smith apples to the smooth and creamy custard sauce, this cake is sure to transport you to a world of comfort and warmth. What’s more, it can be made quite easily with ingredients that are easily accessible in most kitchens, so you won’t have to go searching for any hard-to-find items.
This cake is perfect for all sorts of occasions – whether you’re entertaining guests or just want to indulge in some sweet goodness on a cozy evening in. The recipe has been perfected over generations of Irish bakers, so you know it’s authentic and delicious. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and preheat your oven – it’s time to embrace the true essence of Ireland with this amazing Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh sweet grace, gather thy presence around me for I have the most enticing recipe to share with thee. A traditional Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce that will cross your mind and tingle your taste buds whenever you ponder on it. This dish will transport you to the Irish countryside where the trees are dense with apples ready for plucking, and the aroma of cinnamon and sugar floating through the air like a divine melody.
But why, you might ask? What makes this recipe so special that thou would even consider placing it on thy dinner table?
Let me present my argument: Firstly, this cake is pure magic. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples mixed with cinnamon, sugar and butter, all baked to perfection will leave your mouth watering for more. As we all know, apple pie and apple crumble can be somewhat monotonous but this apple cake irish is quite the opposite. It’s a light fluffy recipe, perfect for a light afternoon snack or gorgeous dessert.
Secondly, let’s talk about the creamy and silky toffee sauce which makes everything so much sweeter. The balance between the sweetness of brown sugar and heavy whipping cream complemented with a bit of whiskey caramel gives this dessert an unforgettable flavor. Dip your fork in it or pour it over top of each slice; you would experience an explosion of fresh granny smith apple flavor mingled with caramelly notes exploding in thy mouth.
Lastly, this recipe uses only traditional ingredients such as hard alcoholic cider or Irish Whiskey to give it that perfect St Patrick’s day touch. Thus bringing us back to our roots while indulging in a dessert that has been passed down from generation to generation.
In conclusion, this irish apple cake with toffee sauce is a masterpiece of both texture and flavor that you would love; not too rich but rich enough to give your palate a burst of flavors. It’s a luscious kiss from Ireland that will make any dessert corner in your heart filled with joy.
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Irish apple cake with toffee sauce recipe:
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For the apple cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced thinly
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For the toffee sauce:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ¼ cup of water
- ½ cup of heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
-
For the custard sauce:
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
- 5 egg yolks
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, a few drops or to taste
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For the whiskey caramel sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup Irish whiskey
Note: For a boozy twist, feel free to add some hard alcoholic cider, apple brandy or use Guinness beer instead of water in the cake batter. This recipe can also be modified by swapping sour cream or crème fraîche for heavy whipping cream and lemon juice for vinegar.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the required ingredients, it’s time to create the perfect Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce. Follow the step-by-step directions to achieve a moist and flavorful cake with a decadent toffee sauce.
Preparing the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round baking pan and line its base with parchment paper.
- Peel and core 4-5 granny smith apples, then slice them into thin wedges (about 1/4 inch thickness).
- Toss the apple slices in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
Making the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time while mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the wet ingredients mixture.
- Mix until just combined – do not overmix!
- Fold in the prepared sliced apples.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for roughly 45-50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
Making the Toffee Sauce
- While your cake is baking, it’s time to make your delicious toffee sauce!
- Combine 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 3 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of Irish whiskey or apple brandy if you like.
- Allow the sauce cool down a bit before drizzling over your warm Irish Apple Cake.
Enjoy your freshly baked Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce while still warm, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for added decadence!
Substitutions and Variations
Thou art a chef in search of versatility, perchance? Verily, thou canst add thy own twist to this delectable Irish Apple Cake recipe. Allow me to guide thee with suggestions of substitutions and variations.
– Whiskey Caramel Sauce: Instead of making the toffee sauce, why not make whiskey caramel sauce? Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Let it boil until it turns amber-colored. Remove from heat, then pour in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup Irish whiskey. Stir until smooth. Pour over the apple cake or use it as a dip on whipped cream or ice cream.
– Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for our celiac comrades.
– Other Fruits: Instead of apples, thou canst use pear or berries such as cranberries or blackberries for variety.
– Hard Cider: Substituting hard alcoholic cider for regular apple cider may give an extra boozy twist to thy baked delicacies.
– Guiness Apple Cake: Want a classic Irish flair? Use Guiness instead of hard cider and create a Guinness caramel sauce instead.
– Custard Sauce: For extra indulgence, try adding vanilla custard sauce on top of thy cake slices.
Remember that adaption is key to nailing recipes. Experimentation allows creativity to flourish. So do not be afraid to try new things!
Serving and Pairing
Hear ye, hear ye! The Irish apple cake with toffee sauce recipe is here and it’s all set to conquer your taste buds. And when it comes to serving and pairing this delightful treat, I have just the right suggestions for you.
Firstly, let’s talk about serving. After the cake has cooled down and you’ve drizzled it with heavenly toffee sauce, cut it into individual slices and serve them on a platter. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top along with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This will elevate the flavors of the cake further – trust me, I’ve tried it myself.
Now onto pairing. The Irish apple cake is a unique dessert that pairs well with specific beverages and snacks. Let’s start with the beverage. A hot cuppa tea, Irish coffee or even a glass of hard alcoholic cider would work like magic with the Irish apple cake.
For those who prefer a bit of tanginess as an accompaniment, try serving this cake with some sour or creme fraiche on top. The sourness will balance out the sweetness perfectly and add to the overall taste experience.
For those who prefer to maintain traditional seasonal flavors, you can’t go wrong pairing this dish with mulled or spiced apple cider. And if you want to give your guests an extra surprise, try serving this delightful cake with tangy French press coffee.
In conclusion, the Irish apple cake is a versatile dessert that can hold its own but is best served with some whipped cream, ice cream, or custard sauce (recipe provided in section 7). You deserve every bite of the luscious cake so please do take my advice and pair it with some delicious beverages – Cheers!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! The Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce hath been made ahead – worry not, for it shall still taste as heavenly as a fresh baked cake. To make-ahead, bake the cake in advance and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with cling film to keep it fresh. A chilled cake will be easier to cut cleanly.
Should thee desire to store the sauce, let it cool down and then pour it into an airtight container or jar. It can keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. If the sauce has thickened while being refrigerated, reheat it gently over low heat whilst stirring continuously until thou hast achieved thy desired consistency.
If you’re reheating thy cake that hath already been cooled, thou mayest microwave individual slices on high for 10-20 seconds or until warmed through, or reheat slices of the apple cake nestled in foil in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes. Also, if thee so wishes to have some Irish whiskey caramel sauce drizzled upon thy reheated slice of apple cake, warm up some sauce first before pouring it over thy cake.
Remember – this cake is best enjoyed freshly baked and served with the warm toffee sauce. Hence if you plan to make ahead several days beforehand, then be sure to make and store the components separately to retain its delightful texture and flavour.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results with this Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce recipe, I have some tips that will surely elevate your baking game.
Firstly, tart Granny Smith apples work best for this cake as they hold their shape and add a lovely tanginess to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
Secondly, when preparing the toffee sauce, make sure to melt the sugar slowly on low heat so that it caramelizes evenly without burning. Stirring constantly can also prevent lumps from forming in the mixture.
Thirdly, for a richer flavor and consistency, use high-fat dairy products such as heavy whipping cream or creme fraiche instead of regular milk. This adds a creamy mouthfeel to both the toffee and custard sauces.
Fourthly, adding a splash of Irish whiskey to the caramel or custard sauce gives them an extra dimension of flavor and complements the apple cake beautifully.
Fifthly, sift your dry ingredients such as flour and baking soda before mixing them into the batter. This helps to remove any clumps and ensures an even rise and texture for the cake.
Lastly, when measuring ingredients, be sure to use precise measurements and not substitutes as this can alter the texture and taste of the final product.
By following these tips, you will surely impress your family and guests with a delectable Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce recipe is a must-try dessert for anyone who wants to experience the flavors of Ireland in their own home. With its rich apple and cinnamon flavors, sticky toffee sauce, and creamy custard options, it’s perfect for any occasion, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to cozy family gatherings.
Whatever your preferences are, this recipe has plenty of substitutions and variations to choose from, making it easy to tailor your version of the cake to your liking. And with make-ahead instructions, storage tips, and helpful hints for perfect results, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a delicious Irish Apple Cake every time.
In short, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both traditional and unique, easy to make and impressively tasty, then look no further than this Irish Apple Cake with Toffee Sauce recipe. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!
Irish Apple Cake With Toffee Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and quartered
- 2 lemons, juice of
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (needing 12-24 hours, see end of recipe) or 1/2 cup creme fraiche (needing 12-24 hours, see end of recipe)
- 1/4 1/4 cup apple cider or 1/4 cup juice
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- For the Roasted Apples, preheat oven to 375 and butter a large casserole dish. Cut the apple quarters into 2 - 3 wedges each and place them in the dish. Sprinkle with the lemon juice and sugar and dot with butter. Bake, turning frequently 15 - 20 minutes or until apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven, drain juices off and cool. Keep oven on to maintain temperature.
- For the Cake, butter a springform pan (9 - 10 ") and sprinkle the bottom with almonds.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter & sugar until light & fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat until smooth.
- With a wooden spoon, fold in dry ingredients, vanilla, sour cream (or creme fraiche - see below) and cider.
- To arrange the Cake, starting in the centre, decoratively arrange half the apples in prepared pan. Roughly chop remaning apples and stir into cake batter. Pour batter into pan and bake 70 - 80 minutes until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove cake and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Release sides of pan, invert to a cake plate and remove the base.
- Toffee Sauce; In a medium saucepan bring water and sugar to a boil. stir in lemon juice. Cook 10 - 15 minutes or until it starts turning a light caramel colour. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream.
- To Serve, cut cake into slices and drizzle with the toffee sauce.
- NOTE: To make Creme Fraiche in advance of this recipe, combine 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 1 Tbsp buttermilk in a glass jar. Stir to blend, cover and let stand at room temperature for 12 - 24 hours or until thickened.
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.