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Desserts

Irish Apple Cake

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 minutes
Prep
45 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar, plus extra for topping
  • 100 g (7 tbsp) cold butter, cubed
  • 2 cooking apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 egg
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake tin.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder and sugar in a bowl, then rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  3. Stir in the diced apples and cinnamon.
  4. Whisk the egg with the milk, then fold into the dry ingredients to form a thick batter.
  5. Spread the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top, and sprinkle with a little extra sugar.
  6. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean; serve warm with custard or cream.

Introduction: A simple, homely cake studded with tart cooking apples, Irish Apple Cake reflects the country's abundant apple orchards and is traditionally served warm with a jug of custard or cream as a comforting family dessert.

Cultural Background: A simple, homely cake studded with tart cooking apples, Irish Apple Cake reflects the country's abundant apple orchards and is traditionally served warm with a jug of custard or cream as a comforting family dessert.

Tips: Use a firm, tart cooking apple variety, which holds its shape and balances the cake's sweetness.

Variations: A handful of sultanas or a scattering of chopped walnuts are common additions to the batter. Vegetarian as written; a vegan version can be made using plant-based butter, milk and an egg substitute.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm individual slices in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5–8 minutes, or briefly in the microwave.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 290 kcal, 12g fat, 42g carbohydrate, 4g protein.

FAQs:

Q: What apples work best?

A: Firm cooking apples like Bramley hold their shape and provide the right tartness.

Q: Can this be made dairy-free?

A: Yes, substitute plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version.

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