Irish Apple Cake

It’s one of those rainy afternoons in March when the world feels a little softer, a little slower, and all you want is something warm and homey to fill the kitchen with love. That’s when Irish Apple Cake calls to me—a recipe that’s like a hug from an Irish grandmother I never had. I first made this cake a couple of years ago, on a whim before St. Patrick’s Day, hoping to channel some Emerald Isle magic. What I got was a tender, spiced cake studded with apples, topped with a crunchy sugar crust, and paired with a silky custard sauce that made my guests beg for the recipe. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a testament to 2025’s love for easy baking recipes that feel timeless yet fuss-free. Let’s walk through this story of flavor together—I’ll give you every detail to make your Irish Apple Cake a star.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

Before we dive in, let’s gather the gear. You don’t need a shamrock’s worth of luck to bake Irish Apple Cake, but a few tools make it a breeze. A 9-inch springform pan is your best bet—this one releases cakes like a dream, and you can grab it here. I’ve used mine for years, and it’s a keeper. A rubber spatula is essential for mixing—this set is sturdy and flexible, perfect for scraping bowls clean. And a fine-mesh strainer ensures your custard is smooth—this model is my go-to. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. With these in hand, you’re ready to bake up some Irish charm.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for Irish Apple Cake (serves 6-8):
For the Cake:

• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, plus more softened for the pan
• 1 cup (200 g.) granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¾ tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. ground ginger
• ¼ tsp. finely grated fresh nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. ground allspice
• 3 cups (360 g.) plus 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced into ¼-inch pieces
• 3 Tbsp. demerara sugar

For the Custard Sauce:

• 4 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup (67 g.) granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, halved (or 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract)
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream

These are simple staples, but they weave a rich tapestry of flavor—perfect for traditional Irish desserts with a modern twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake this beauty, step by step, with all the details you’ll need.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Set a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter your 9-inch springform pan generously—sides and bottom—then line it with parchment paper. This double insurance keeps your Irish Apple Cake from sticking, and the springform makes it easy to pop out later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and 3 cups of flour. Add the cold butter cubes and use your hands to work it in—pinch and rub until it looks like wet sand with no big chunks left. It’s a bit messy, but that’s where the texture magic happens.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
In another medium bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this into the dry mix and stir with your rubber spatula until it just comes together—don’t overmix, or the cake gets tough. You want a thick, luscious batter that’s ready for the apples.

Step 4: Add the Apples
In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour until coated—this keeps them from sinking. Fold them gently into the batter, then scrape everything into the prepared pan. Smooth the top, then sprinkle the demerara sugar over it for that golden crunch.

Step 5: Bake It Up
Bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, until the apples are tender and a toothpick in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell like a spiced Irish orchard—pure heaven. Let it cool completely in the pan so it sets up nicely.

Step 6: Make the Custard Sauce
In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar for about 6 minutes until pale and creamy. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the cream, add the pod, and heat until just boiling—watch it closely. Whisk a few tablespoons of the hot cream into the yolks to temper them, then slowly add the rest, whisking constantly. Return it to the pot and cook over medium-low, stirring until thickened—test it with a spoon; your finger should leave a clear streak. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discard the pod (add extract here if using), and let it cool.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cooled Irish Apple Cake and drizzle with custard sauce. Each bite is a mix of tender cake, tart apples, and creamy richness—a true taste of Ireland.

Tips for the Best Irish Apple Cake

Here’s how to make it your own, from my kitchen to yours:

• Apple Swap: Try Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite—still perfect for traditional Irish desserts.
• Spice Boost: Add a pinch more nutmeg if you love that warm kick.
• Time Saver: Prep the dry mix ahead—just add wet ingredients when you’re ready.
• Custard Shortcut: Use store-bought if you’re short on time, but homemade’s worth it.

I learned that last one when I had a busy week but still craved this cake. The homemade custard took it over the top—ideal for easy baking recipes that feel special.

Nutritional Info

Per slice (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 963
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 53g
• Carbs: 113g
• Sugar: 64g
• Sodium: 390mg

It’s a hearty treat, but that’s the charm of traditional Irish desserts—comfort in every bite.

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FAQs

Got questions? Here’s what I’ve learned:

Can I skip the custard?
Sure—it’s great solo or with whipped cream, but the sauce is classic.

No springform pan?
A 9-inch round works—just grease well and skip parchment if needed.

Can I freeze it?
Yes—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, sans custard.

Why’s my cake dense?
Don’t overmix the batter—keep it light for that tender crumb.

Conclusion

Irish Apple Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a cozy tale of spice, apples, and Irish heart that fits right into our love for easy baking recipes. Whether it’s a St. Patrick’s Day treat or a rainy-day indulgence, it’s a slice of comfort that’s simple yet unforgettable. Grab your springform (like this one), bake it up, and share the love. Pin your pics or let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear! Craving more traditional Irish desserts? Follow my Pinterest for recipes that keep your kitchen warm and happy.