Irish Apple Cake represents the heart of traditional Irish home baking – simple, satisfying, and making the most of locally available ingredients. This beloved dessert emerged from Ireland’s farmhouse kitchens, where recipes were cherished and passed down through generations.
Apples have long thrived in Ireland’s temperate climate, making them a staple ingredient in Irish baking. When autumn brought abundant harvests, resourceful families transformed these fruits into hearty cakes that could be enjoyed throughout the year. In traditional homes, these cakes were often baked in cast iron pots called bastibles over open hearths, giving them their characteristic rustic texture.
Traditional Characteristics & Variations
What makes Irish Apple Cake special is its adaptability across different households and regions. Throughout Ireland, you’ll find various interpretations of this classic dessert:
- Some versions feature a dense, moist crumb packed with chunks of apple
- Others include a streusel or crumble topping for added texture
- Many traditional recipes use minimal spices, letting the apple flavor shine
- Some families incorporate oats, dried fruits, or nuts depending on availability
- Modern variations might add warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
The beauty of Irish Apple Cake lies in its simplicity – flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and apples come together to create something truly special. Traditionally served with custard sauce or fresh cream, it represents Irish hospitality at its finest – unpretentious, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
This versatile cake remains popular for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a comforting dessert that connects modern bakers with Ireland’s culinary heritage.
Traditional Irish Apple Cake
Equipment
- 1 10 inch spring form pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 8 tbsp. butter 1 stick
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 dash cloves ground
- 1 dash cinnamon ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line the bottom of a 10" springform pan with parchment paper. and grease the sides with my non-stick baking glaze*. Set aside.
- In a medium-size bowl, Add the flour and baking powder. Cut in 1 stick, 8 tablespoons of butter, into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the flour and butter mixture.
- Make a well in the center of the bowl and add the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix until a a thick, soft dough forms.
- Spoon and press dough into the bottom of the springform pan. Wetting the tips of your clean hands will help you distribute it evenly. Arrange the apples on top of the dough. Combine 1 tablespoon of sugar and a dash each of ground cloves and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Place on the middle rack of your oven. Bake in a 350 F degree oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly, cut into wedges and dust with powdered sugar. Or serve with whipped cream — or ice cream!