Scrumptious Irish Dessert Recipe for Sweet-Toothed Foodies
Dear reader,
As an avid food enthusiast and a chef who specializes in British cuisine, I am excited to share with you today a delectable Irish dessert recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds. The recipe that I am about to introduce to you is not only incredibly delicious but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
When we think of Irish food, the first things that usually come to our minds are soda bread, Guinness chocolate, and of course, a pint of stout. However, there are many traditional Irish desserts that are just as satisfying and indulgent as their savory counterparts.
This particular dessert recipe features the perfect blend of moist apple cake, creamy custard sauce, and crunchy walnuts. It is inspired by the classic Irish apple crumble but with a unique twist that elevates it to a whole new level of decadence.
In this recipe article, you will find everything you need to know about making this delightful dessert from scratch. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, my detailed instructions and helpful tips will ensure that you achieve perfect results every time.
So why wait? Let us dive in and discover this wonderful piece of Irish culinary history together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a new and exciting dessert recipe that will dazzle your taste buds? Look no further! This Irish dessert recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
What sets this recipe apart is its unique combination of flavors and textures. The use of instant pistachio pudding mix creates a creamy and flavorful base, while the addition of crushed pineapple and walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The use of miniature marshmallows brings a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the non-dairy whipped topping adds a light and fluffy finish.
But the real star of this dessert is the Irish apple cake. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and just a hint of Irish whiskey, it’s the perfect complement to the pudding mixture. The result is a truly irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have this dessert ready in no time. And with its classic Irish flavors, it’s the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion with friends and family.
So why not give it a try? This delicious dessert is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters and become a new favorite in your recipe box.
Ingredient List
Here is what you need to make this delightful Irish apple cake.
For the Cake:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
For the Custard Sauce:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 & 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
The ingredients used in this recipe are easily available in your local grocery store. Most of these items are pantry staples. You can use any type of apple, but I recommend using crisp and sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step in making this Irish Apple Cake is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want your oven nice and hot for when you’re ready to pop the cake into it.
Step 2: Prepare Your Apples
Next, it’s time to prepare your apples for the cake. You’ll need three medium-sized apples, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together half a cup of sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon before adding it to the apples. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the apple pieces are evenly coated.
Step 3: Make Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine one and a half cups of flour with two teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Add in half a cup of softened butter, rubbing it together with your fingers until the mixture has a texture that resembles breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together one egg and three tablespoons of milk before adding this mixture to the flour mixture. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
Step 4: Layer Your Cake
Now we’re ready to layer our cake! Start by greasing an eight-inch round cake tin with butter or cooking spray. Pour half your batter into the tin, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Then, spoon on all of your prepared apples, creating an even layer on top of the batter. Finally, pour the remaining batter over the apples, making sure it is spread out as evenly as possible.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Pop your cake into your preheated oven and bake for around 40-45 minutes, or until it is lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and leave to cool in its tin for around 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Irish Apple Cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can enjoy it as is, or you can add a dollop of non-dairy whipped topping, a sprinkle of walnuts, or even some miniature marshmallows on top. Whatever your taste preference, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make you feel like you’ve been transported right into an Irish kitchen.
Substitutions and Variations
My dear readers, if you are feeling adventurous and wish to try out new variations on this Irish dessert, I am happy to offer a few suggestions. First, for those who prefer a non-dairy option, you may use non-dairy whipped topping in place of the heavy cream. Additionally, if walnuts are not to your liking, feel free to substitute them with pecans or almonds.
For a different twist on the classic Irish apple cake, I suggest trying apple crumble. Simply add a crunchy topping by combining flour, sugar, and butter and sprinkle it over the sliced apples. Bake as you would the apple cake.
If your preference lies more towards chocolate cakes, then try making a Guinness chocolate cake. Just replace some of the flour in the recipe with cocoa powder, then add your Guinness beer and enjoy that rich chocolaty taste.
For something a little different yet still traditional Irish, experiment with our soda bread recipe by adding chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
And finally, for those who love whiskey and desserts, substitute some of the heavy cream with Irish whiskey to make an irresistible whiskey cream sauce to drizzle over the apple cake or bread pudding.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Irish apple cake is baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how best to serve and pair it. I suggest allowing the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into generous wedges. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature, but it’s important to pair it with something that will balance its sweet and dense flavors.
A dollop of non-dairy whipped topping on top of each slice will add a light and fluffy texture that complements the cake. You could also sprinkle some miniature marshmallows and crushed walnuts on top for added crunch and sweetness.
For a truly authentic Irish experience, you could serve your apple cake with a traditional Irish whiskey custard sauce. This rich and smooth sauce is made by whisking together egg yolks, sugar, cream, and Irish whiskey and then cooking it slowly over low heat until thickened. The boozy sauce complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, you could also serve your apple cake with a side of fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or raspberries. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Finally, no Irish dessert would be complete without a cup of hot tea or coffee on the side. Brew up a pot of strong black tea or a cup of bold espresso to pair with your apple cake. The bitterness of the tea or coffee brings out the sweetness in the cake, making every bite even more delicious.
In short, serving and pairing your Irish apple cake is all about finding a balance between sweet and savory flavors. Be creative and experiment with different toppings until you find the perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Dear readers, the Irish Apple Cake is one of the best traditional Irish desserts that make your taste buds tingle with happiness. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later consumption.
To make this dessert ahead of time, I would suggest baking it as per the recipe instructions and letting it cool down to room temperature. After that, place the cake in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can store it for up to three days.
When reheating the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for an hour or so. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the cake in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to enhance your serving experience and add a little more flavor to your dessert, you can drizzle some custard sauce on top of the cake before reheating it. This will prevent the cake from getting dry while heating, and also give it that nice creamy texture.
Alternatively, you can also try topping the cake with some non-dairy whipped topping or sprinkle on some crushed walnuts, miniature marshmallows or even instant pistachio pudding mix before serving.
So go ahead, make this delicious birthday or St. Patrick’s Day cake ahead of time, store it in your fridge and enjoy every bite when you desire!
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve the perfect Irish dessert, there are a few tips that can help you along the way. These tips will help ensure your dessert comes out exactly how it should, with no unexpected surprises.
First, when making the Irish apple cake or any baked good for that matter, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much or too little of one ingredient can greatly affect the texture and taste of your final product. For dry ingredients such as flour and sugar, use a measuring cup and level off the top with a knife for an even measurement. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup and be sure to check that you’re at the right level.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing your batter. Mixing too much can cause your baked goods to become dense and tough. Mix until just combined to achieve a tender, light crumb. A related point is to make sure that you’re not underbaking but also not overbaking. Each type of dessert has a specific baking time and temperature that should be followed precisely.
When making the custard sauce, whisk constantly while cooking it over low heat. Do not let it get too hot or boil which can result in clumpy custard. Be patient and keep whisking until it reaches the correct consistency.
If you plan on substituting an ingredient in the recipe, always do some research beforehand to ensure that what you substitute isn’t going to change the overall chemistry of the recipe. Some minor substitutions such as using different types of nuts may not have much effect but changing major components can greatly alter how your dessert turns out.
Finally, don’t forget presentation! When serving your dessert, consider adding some non-dairy whipped topping alongside some miniature marshmallows and walnuts for added texture and color contrast.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious traditional Irish dessert that will please any crowd.
FAQ
Before we reach our conclusion, let me take a moment to address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this delicious Irish dessert recipe. I understand that some of you may have queries about the ingredients, steps, or substitutions of the recipe. Thus, in this section, I will try to answer some of the most common questions related to the recipe. So without further ado, let’s move on to the FAQs.
What is the most famous dessert in Ireland?
No list of Irish desserts would be complete without a mention of the beloved and decadent Guinness cake. This chocolate cake with a twist can even be topped with Baileys frosting for the ultimate Irish experience.
What do Irish people eat for dessert on St Patricks Day?
Looking for a delectable treat to complement your St. Patrick’s Day meal? Give your taste buds a treat with either the Irish apple cake with light spices or the classic Irish fruitcake, barmbrack. Alternatively, opt for the comforting and buttery Irish soda bread, which can serve as breakfast too.
What kind of desserts do they have in Ireland?
There are a plethora of delectable desserts that hail from Ireland, including the tantalizing Irish Apple Pie, Shamrock Shakes, Porter Cake or Irish Cake, and the luscious Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. It’s worth noting that Irish desserts are generally easy to whip up in the kitchen.
What sweets are good in Ireland?
In this recipe article, we will be exploring some classic British candies and turning them into delicious dessert treats. Get ready to sink your teeth into some Kimberley Mallow Cakes, Wafer Snack! Bars, Opal Fruit-inspired sweets, Roy of the Rovers chews, Secret Bars, Apple Drops-flavored delights, Black Jacks-inspired goodies, and Dream Bar treats. These treats will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and have you reminiscing about some of your childhood favorites.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish dessert recipe is truly a masterpiece that every dessert lover must try. It incorporates unique ingredients like crushed pineapple and instant pistachio pudding mix, resulting in a delicious and unforgettable flavor. The recipe is easy to make and offers a variety of substitutions and variations for those who want to experiment.
Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s day or just want to indulge in some classic Irish desserts, this recipe will definitely satisfy your cravings. And if you’re looking for a showstopper, we recommend trying the Guinness chocolate cake or Millionaire shortbread.
In addition, the recipe can be made ahead of time and stored easily, making it perfect for parties and events. Plus, with the use of non-dairy whipped topping and other alternatives, this recipe can accommodate various dietary needs.
Overall, not only is this Irish dessert recipe a delicious treat, but it also represents the rich culture and history of Ireland. So why not give it a try? We guarantee that it will become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Irish Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple
- 1 (3 1/2 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup miniature marshmallow (optional)
- 1 (8 ounce) container non-dairy whipped topping, defrosted (Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Combine pineapple and juice with pudding mix.
- Add nuts and marshmallows (if desired) and stir until combined.
- Fold in Cool Whip and mix well.
- Place in individual serving dishes or a medium bowl.
- Chill for at least an hour.
- Enjoy!
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.