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Irish Apple Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert with Custard Sauce

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This cozy Irish apple cake features a buttery crumb, tender tart apples, and a silky vanilla custard sauce. It’s an easy, nostalgic dessert perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting treat after dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free blend)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3–4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • For the Custard Sauce:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Extra cinnamon, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice 3-4 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 cups). Toss with juice of 1/2 lemon to prevent browning.
  2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (springform preferred) and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Add cold cubed butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the apples using a rubber spatula.
  7. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and transfer to a wire rack.
  9. For the custard sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Strain if lumpy.
  10. Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar and extra cinnamon. Slice and pour warm custard sauce over each piece. Serve slightly warm.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith. Chill butter before cutting into flour for a tender crumb. Don’t overmix the batter. If making gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute flour and milk as needed. Custard sauce can be made ahead and reheated. Cake can be frozen (without custard) for up to 2 months. For extra flavor, add a splash of Irish whiskey to the custard sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish apple cake, apple dessert, custard sauce, easy cake recipe, homemade apple cake, traditional Irish dessert, fall baking, comfort food, family dessert, potluck cake

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/irish-apple-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-custard-sauce/