Catch the aroma of freshly baked Irish Apple Cake wafting through your kitchen. Imagine biting into a warm slice adorned with sweet apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like a hug wrapped in pastry.

This cake has more stories than a pub full of chatty locals. Whether it graces your family gatherings or serves as comfort on chilly nights, this delightful treat promises to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy tears.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this Irish Apple Cake perfect for bakers of all levels
- Its warm spices and tender apples create an irresistible flavor profile everyone will adore
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and juicy filling, it’s sure to impress on any table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as breakfast or dessert
Sharing this cake at family gatherings always gets everyone talking about the good old days when my grandma used to bake it every Sunday.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: You can’t go wrong with all-purpose flour; it gives the cake structure while keeping it tender.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you might want to adjust based on your apple variety.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise, ensuring it’s fluffy rather than dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for that classic warm flavor that screams comfort food.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter mixes better into the batter for a smooth texture.
- Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together; they also add richness.
- Fresh Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for contrast against the sweet batter; peel and chop them beforehand.
- Milk: Whole milk keeps the cake moist; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This step sets up your flavor foundation.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You’re looking for that pale yellow color—trust me; it makes a difference.
Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by milk. Mix until everything is smoothly incorporated; no lumps allowed.
Combine Mixtures and Fold in Apples: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while mixing gently. Once combined, fold in chopped apples with care—don’t mash them.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center—a surefire way to test doneness.
Enjoy your freshly baked Irish Apple Cake warm or at room temperature. Consider serving it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
You Must Know
- This delightful Irish Apple Cake is more than just dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia
- The fragrant aroma of baked apples and warm spices fills the kitchen, making it feel like home
- Perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple afternoon treat, this cake never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your apples and mixing the dry ingredients first. While letting the apples soak in cinnamon and sugar, cream together the butter and sugar for maximum fluffiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some apple varieties for added flavor depth; try Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Irish Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive its warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When using apples, opt for a mix of tart and sweet varieties to enhance flavor complexity
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour; this keeps your cake tender
- Always check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry
The first time I made this Irish Apple Cake, my friends devoured it within minutes and insisted I bake it every week. Their laughter filled my kitchen as they fought over the last piece, making it a cherished memory.
FAQ
What types of apples work best in Irish Apple Cake?
Using a mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor balance.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?
You can use store-bought crust, but homemade offers better flavor and texture.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Delightful Irish Apple Cake
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices
Description
Experience the warmth of Ireland with this traditional Irish Apple Cake, featuring tender apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Ground Cinnamon
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Fresh Apples (tart varieties recommended)
- Whole Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in milk until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in chopped apples gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg