Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce Recipe

This cake is hearty yet light, making it ideal for afternoon tea, holidays, or a simple family dessert. It’s best enjoyed warm with the velvety smooth custard poured generously over the top.

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Why You’ll Love This Irish Apple Cake Recipe

• Warm & Comforting: The spiced apples and buttery cake make this dessert feel like a warm hug in every bite.
• Traditional Irish Dessert: A classic Irish recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.
• Creamy Custard Sauce: The custard sauce adds a luscious, creamy texture that perfectly complements the cake.
• Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, this cake is straightforward to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Key Ingredients for Irish Apple Cake

1. Apples

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley for the best results. The tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and adds a nice texture.

2. Butter

• Unsalted butter provides the richness and moisture in both the cake and the custard sauce.

3. Flour

• All-purpose flour creates the structure for the cake. A small amount is also used to coat the apples before adding them to the batter.

4. Spices

• A mix of ground cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

5. Sugar

• Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while a touch of brown sugar sprinkled on top adds a hint of caramel flavor.

6. Eggs

• Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its structure. They are also the base for the creamy custard sauce.

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How to Make Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce

This recipe combines the simplicity of a rustic apple cake with the elegance of a silky custard sauce. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and slice 3 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Bramley). Toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of flour and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

• Gently fold the flour-coated apple slices into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top of the cake.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How to Make the Custard Sauce

Step 1: Heat the Milk

• In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large egg yolks, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

• Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 4: Cook the Custard

• Pour the egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Be careful not to let the mixture boil.

Step 5: Strain & Serve

• Remove the custard from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Serve the warm custard sauce over slices of the Irish apple cake.

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Tips for Making the Best Irish Apple Cake

1. Choose the Right Apples

• Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cake.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are combined.

3. Check for Doneness

• Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

4. Make the Custard Slowly

• Custard requires patience—cook it over low heat and stir constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.

5. Serve Warm

• This cake is best served warm with the custard sauce poured over the top. It’s even better when freshly baked!

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Recipe Variations

1. Spiced Apple Cake

• Add more spices like cloves or allspice to the batter for a spicier flavor.

2. Nutty Apple Cake

• Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Apple Cake

• Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

4. Caramelized Apple Topping

• Top the cake with caramelized apples instead of the custard sauce for a caramel apple twist.

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FAQs: Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

• Yes! The cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature. Warm it slightly before serving with the custard sauce.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The custard sauce should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I Freeze Irish Apple Cake?

• Yes, you can freeze the cake (without the custard sauce) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. How Do I Serve the Custard Sauce?

• The custard sauce is best served warm over the cake. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop if needed

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