Irish Apple Cake

Let me tell you about Irish Apple Cake—a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for those chilly days when you want to feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm blanket. Picture this: a moist, tender cake dotted with tart apples, all lightly spiced with cinnamon, and finished off with a soft, sweet glaze that just melts into the cake. It’s simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious, making it the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, an afternoon tea, or just a little indulgence after dinner, this cake is sure to make you feel like you’ve stepped right into an Irish cottage.

Why You’ll Love Irish Apple Cake

Simple Yet Flavorful:

This cake is a blend of simple ingredients—flour, butter, apples, sugar—but it’s packed with flavor. The apples offer that perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the hint of cinnamon gives it that warm, cozy vibe we all crave.

Perfectly Moist:

Thanks to the addition of buttermilk, this cake comes out super moist and tender. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds because it’s just so soft and satisfying.

Easy to Make:

Even if you’re not a baking pro, this cake is a breeze to put together. The ingredients come together in no time, and the result? A cake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Versatile:

It’s a dessert that can be served warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a simple snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it keeps well for a few days, so it’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying little slices throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds that cozy, warm flavor to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavor.
• Butter: The fat that makes the cake rich and tender.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough, letting the apples shine.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Buttermilk: This is the secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist and gives it a slight tang.
• Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for this cake—think Granny Smith and Gala.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle touch of flavor that ties everything together.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it that perfect texture.
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: For that added depth of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake this Irish classic? Here we go:

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
2. Grease and Flour the Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and lightly flour it. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake later.

Make the Cake:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the batter.
5. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. You want the apples to be evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.

Bake the Cake:

1. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
3. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—add more milk if it’s too thick.
2. Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake into generous pieces and enjoy it with a hot cup of tea, or on its own as a sweet snack. It’s a simple pleasure, and it’s one that you’ll want to savor.

How to Serve Irish Apple Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your experience:

With Ice Cream:

Serve a slice of warm Irish Apple Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting dessert.

With Whipped Cream:

A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the cake adds a light, creamy contrast to the dense cake and tart apples.

With Tea or Coffee:

This cake is perfect for afternoon tea or coffee breaks. The flavors pair beautifully with a strong cup of tea or a warm latte.

Warmed Up:

Try warming up a slice of this cake in the microwave for a few seconds and then topping it with a bit of extra glaze or whipped cream.

Additional Tips

Use Tart Apples:

Tart apples, like Granny Smiths, are perfect for this cake. They add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake and the glaze.

Don’t Overmix the Batter:

When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Make it Ahead:

You can make this cake a day ahead of time. The flavors only get better after a day or two, and the glaze will set nicely, adding to the cake’s overall flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 330
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A1: Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk. It helps achieve a similar tangy flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a one-to-one ratio for best results.

Q3: Can I add other fruits to this cake?

A3: Yes! Pears or even berries would work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if using softer fruits.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Q5: Can I freeze Irish Apple Cake?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Q6: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

A6: Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it slightly before drizzling it over the cake.

Q7: Can I skip the glaze?

A7: If you prefer a less sweet cake, feel free to skip the glaze. The cake is still delicious on its own.

Q8: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A8: Yes, you can substitute the white sugar with brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor, or even coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.

Q9: How do I know when the cake is done?

A9: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

Q10: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

A10: Yes, if you want a thicker cake, use a smaller pan, or for a thinner cake, use a larger one. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Irish Apple Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With its moist texture, tart apples, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake will fill your home with the cozy, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. So go ahead, slice yourself a piece, and enjoy the comforting taste of Ireland!

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