This farmhouse-style Irish apple cake is a tender cake with warm spices and baked apples, topped with a buttery streusel. The apples and cinnamon smell heavenly when you pull it fresh from the oven. It's easy to make, too. Serve it warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or have a slice for breakfast with a cup of coffee.
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The texture of this cake is somewhat similar to a coffee cake. In European fashion, it is not overly sweet. Some versions of this cake are quite dense and mildly flavoured, so are paired with a runny custard sauce. While I do love a good custard sauce, this version of mine is tasty enough to hold its own. Enjoy this cake for breakfast, brunch, with afternoon tea, or for dessert.
Apple orchards are abundant in Ireland's countryside. And during the fall harvest season many farmhouses have their own special version of this apple cake, also known as Kerry apple cake, made and on hand to serve any potential guests.
Traditionally, it was made in a pot on an open fire before ovens were common. But the ingredients of this baked version are still authentic and old-fashioned. This cake makes the perfect dessert to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
Try my scrumptious apple blondies or a flavourful apple whisky sour for more apple-packed recipes.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith apples
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Salt
- Unsalted butter - Even better if you can get your hands on some Irish butter. This butter is made from primarily grass-fed cow milk, resulting in butter that is richer in colour and flavour.
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- Milk - Whole or 2% milk is best.
- Confectioner's sugar, optional for dusting
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Best apples to use in apple cake
I use Granny Smith apples. They are perfect in this recipe because they are tart, which balances with the sweet beautifully, and they hold their form well after baking without getting mushy.
Other options that would work well are Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples, however, they are less tart than Granny Smiths.
Variations
Add nuts - Chopped nuts are a wonderful addition to this cake. Walnuts or pecans are best for this.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 177°C and grease an 8" round springform cake pan.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set it aside for now.
Cream the butter and sugars together well until they are fluffy. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and milk intermittently. Make sure that it is completely mixed in, but be careful to not over-mix.
Spoon the thick batter into the pan and smooth it out, pressing it into the edges.
Peel your apples and cut them into ¼" (0.64cm) slices. Then cut the slices again for a chopped appearance. (See below.)
Scatter the apple pieces evenly on top of the cake batter. Use your hand to lightly press the apples slightly downwards into the batter.
Prepare the streusel topping in a medium bowl by combining the flour, brown sugar, a cinnamon. Then add the cubed butter and using your hand work it into the dry ingredients until it forms large crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
Put the cake in the oven and bake it about 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cake. When it comes out clean the cake is ready. Don't get tricked by accidentally poking a juicy apple.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust the Irish apple cake with icing sugar immediately before serving, if desired.
Equipment
To make this recipe you will need the following:
- 8" round springform pan - You could use a 9" instead for a shorter cake, just remember to keep an eye on it while baking because it will take slightly less time.
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Kitchen scale or measuring cup set
How to serve it
Irish apple cake is delicious when served warm or at room temperature. Serve it:
- Dusted with confectioner's sugar for a simple approach. This version is not too sweet and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast or afternoon tea.
- Drizzled with a sauce. Traditionally, the most popular to use would be a custard sauce, however, caramel and whiskey sauces are also used.
- Warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Similar to coffee cakes, this Irish apple cake can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 days. If you live in a hot country, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and set out an hour before you intend to serve to bring it back to room temperature.
You can also freeze this cake in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, set on the countertop overnight.
Tips for success
- Weigh to be sure - You should always weigh ingredients like flour and sugar to get the best results. However, if you have to use a measuring cup rather than a kitchen scale, stir the ingredient to create air pockets then gently spoon it into the cup and level off the top. Do not scoop or you will get too much.
- Don't overmix - As soon as you mix flour into any batter or dough it is so important to not overmix. If you do, you will lose the soft and delicate texture and make something that is dense and tough. Only mix until the flour has just been blended into the other ingredients.
- Room temperature - Dairy and egg ingredients should be room temperature for this recipe. Cold ingredients simply won't combine properly to give you a smooth crumb, resulting in uneven lumps. Set them out an hour or two before you start.
- Make streusel with your hands - Using your hands to form the streusel crumbs together will help you achieve the large crumble you're looking for.
📖 Recipe
Easy Irish Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Cakes
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This farmhouse-style Irish apple cake is a tender cake with warm spices and baked apples, topped with a buttery streusel. It's easy to make, too.
Ingredients
1 cup + 2 tablespoons (140g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (67g) brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
3 medium granny smith apples
confectioner's sugar, for dusting (optional)
Streusel topping
¼ cup (37g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ tablespoon (21.3g) butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 177°C and grease an 8" round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set it aside for now.
Cream the butter and sugars together well until they are fluffy. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and milk intermittently. Make sure that it is completely mixed in, but be careful to not over-mix.
Spoon the thick batter into the pan and smooth it out, pressing it into the edges.
Peel your apples and cut them into ¼" (0.64cm) slices. Then cut the slices again for a chopped appearance.
Scatter the apple pieces evenly on top of the cake batter. Use your hand to lightly press the apples slightly downwards into the batter.
Prepare the streusel topping in a medium bowl by combining the flour, brown sugar, a cinnamon. Then add the cubed butter and using your hand work it into the dry ingredients until it forms large crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
Put the cake in the oven and bake it about 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cake. When it comes out clean the cake is ready. Don't get tricked by accidentally poking a juicy apple.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust the Irish apple cake with icing sugar immediately before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 21.7 g
- Sodium: 108.5 mg
- Fat: 12.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36.6 g
- Protein: 3.4 g
- Cholesterol: 66.3 mg
Keywords: irish apple cake
Joan says
Apple cakes are one of my favs. First time for using Granny Smith in baking.
Turned out amazing. I served mine warm with vanilla ice cream.
Asha says
Hi Joan, that's great! Granny Smiths are perfect for baking because they hold their shape really well and have a sweet/tart flavour combo. Having this cake with vanilla ice cream sounds delicious.
Lisa says
My mom used to make apple cake often. Made this for her birthday. She really enjoyed it.
Asha says
That's so nice. Thank you
Jenny says
Simply amazing
Asha says
Thank you ❤️
Wendy says
I am happy with the way this cake turned out.
Asha says
Thanks 🙂
Nola says
Perfect mix of spice with the apples. Delicious.
Asha says
Thanks for the review 🙂
Bea says
Love granny smith apples this time of year. So tart and they were absolutely perfect in this cake.
Amazingly delicious.
Asha says
Thank you! 😀
Wiza says
Amazingly delicious. Thank you for the recipe. Everyone enjoyed it. The flavour got even better a day after it was made. So good.
Asha says
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it
Jaime says
I love Granny Smith apples. They take the cake. lol
This recipe is amazing.
Asha says
Haha thank you!
Nadine says
This was the perfect Thanksgiving Day cake. Super good.
Asha says
So good to hear, thank you.
Jackie says
My family really enjoyed this cake. The flavour was fantastic.
Asha says
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it
Heather says
Wow. This cake turned out amazing. I wanted something not too sweet with all the chocolates and cookies going around are Christmas time. It was the perfect dessert.
Asha says
Thank you Heather, I'm so glad you enjoyed it
Faye says
Love this cake. Granny Smith apples are the best.
Asha says
Thank you! 🙂
Felicia says
Was so pleased with how this cake turned out. The whole family loved it. Know it will be requested in the future.
Asha says
That's so nice to hear. Thank you for sharing!
Emi says
This cake is even more delicious the second day once it sets. Absolutely a delight with vanilla icecream.
Asha says
Thank you Emi 🙂
Pam says
This cake is the best.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂
Teresa says
I made this cake for my husband who is not keen on anything too sweet. It turned out perfectly.
Great texture and tasting.
Asha says
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks 🙂
Bernice says
Oh, my gosh! The smell of this cake baking was truly amazing!! What a great way to make a house smell good. The cake was just as delicious. It was moist, with a tender crumb and we loved the chunks of apples too.
Asha says
Thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it as much as I do.
nancy says
this irish version of apple cake is moist and so addicting. saving this recipe to make it again
Asha says
Thank you! 💕
Lily says
This Irish apple cake is perfect with my afternoon tea. So moist and flavorful and I love the chunky apples on top!
Asha says
Thank you, I'm so glad you liked it. Sounds like a great afternoon treat.
Vanessa says
What an incredible apple cake! Sure hit the spot this afternoon with a cup of tea!
Asha says
Thank you, sounds like a lovely afternoon to me 🙂