Traditional Irish apple cake has long been a staple of country kitchens across Ireland, especially in the apple-rich regions where home baking met harvest abundance.
For generations, it was a way to make the most of windfall apples—folded into a simple, buttery batter and baked into a golden, hearty cake that was as fitting for Sunday tea as it was for a farmer’s midday break.
Often baked in cast iron or enamel tins and served with fresh cream or warm custard, this humble dessert carries the essence of Irish home cooking: rustic, comforting, and made with care from what was on hand. With its tender crumb, fragrant spices, and sweet apple slices on top, this cake is both a taste of the past and a timeless treat.
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What Makes This Traditional Irish Apple Cake So Special
This cake isn’t flashy or fussy—but that’s exactly its charm. With its rustic look, golden crust, and tender apple-filled crumb, it delivers the kind of comfort only a time-tested recipe can. Lightly spiced and just sweet enough, it’s perfect for those who appreciate simple pleasures and honest flavors. Whether served warm with custard or cooled with a dusting of powdered sugar, traditional Irish apple cake is a humble classic that never goes out of style.
Ready to bake a little piece of Irish heritage? Here’s how to make it.
Recipe: Traditional Irish Apple Cake
Rooted in the heart of rural Ireland, traditional Irish apple cake has graced farmhouse tables for generations, especially in regions where apple orchards thrive and baking traditions run deep.
- Serves: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40–50 minutes
- Calories: 300
- Recipe Cuisine: Irish
- Recipe Keywords: Traditional Irish apple cake, Irish dessert, apple cake, traditional baking, rustic cake, Irish tea cake, autumn baking
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 large cooking apples (approx. 400g), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20-cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the sugar.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the apples: Fold in the apple slices so they are coated evenly with the flour-butter mix.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour into the flour-apple mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with 1 tbsp of sugar if using. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and finish: Let cool in the tin for 10–15 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Traditional Irish Apple Cake
While it’s lovely on its own, Irish apple cake truly shines with a dollop of whipped cream, warm custard, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or strong Irish coffee, making it a versatile treat for any time of day—whether you’re serving guests or savoring a quiet moment alone.
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