The aroma of freshly baked Irish Apple Cake wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: soft, tender apples nestled in a sweet sponge that practically begs to be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This culinary masterpiece is not just food; it’s an invitation to cozy up with family and friends.

Every bite of this delightful treat evokes memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter mingled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply indulging on a rainy afternoon, this charming cake brings joy to any occasion. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable flavor journey!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible Irish Apple Cake offers easy preparation that anyone can master.
- The warm spices create an inviting aroma that fills your home.
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and vibrant apple filling, it’s sure to impress guests.
- Enjoy it as a comforting dessert or a delightful afternoon snack!
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends couldn’t get enough of it! Their smiles were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in your cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter beautifully; adjust based on your preference.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise perfectly; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; feel free to go heavy if you’re a spice lover.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances flavors wonderfully; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy blending into the batter.
- Eggs: Bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
- Fresh Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing sweetness.
- Milk: It creates moisture in the batter; whole milk is preferred for richness.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): A light sprinkle adds elegance and sweetness at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, cream softened butter until fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly before each addition. Stir in milk until smooth.
Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be thick yet slightly lumpy.
Add apples: Fold in your diced fresh apples gently into the batter until they are evenly distributed without crushing them.
Bake it up: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level it out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool down: Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar: Once cooled completely, dust your delectable creation with powdered sugar before slicing into wedges.
Serve & enjoy: Slice up generous pieces of your Irish Apple Cake and serve warm alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable experience!
This simple yet flavorful Irish Apple Cake will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite as you share delightful stories around your table.
You Must Know
- The key to an irresistible Irish Apple Cake is using tart, crisp apples.
- They provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Remember, fresh spices elevate the flavor, so don’t skimp on the cinnamon!
- The aroma while baking will drive you wild.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients: peel and slice the apples first, then mix the dry ingredients. This sequence helps maintain efficiency and ensures everything comes together smoothly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the flour for whole wheat or add nuts for crunch. You could also drizzle a bit of caramel over the top for an indulgent twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy it warm again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When peeling apples, use a sharp peeler for less waste and easier handling.
- Always taste your batter; adjust sugar if necessary for personal preference.
- Don’t skip resting time after mixing; it enhances texture and flavor significantly.
Baking this Irish Apple Cake always brings back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen—her laughter blended with spice scents made every moment special.
FAQ
What type of apples are best for Irish Apple Cake?
Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley for optimal flavor balance.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.
Is there a gluten-free version of Irish Apple Cake?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it suitable.

Irish Apple Cake
- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Description
Irish Apple Cake is a warm, spiced dessert featuring tender apples and a fluffy sponge, perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Fresh Apples (like Granny Smith)
- Milk
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter until fluffy; add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in milk until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just mixed; fold in diced apples gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in walnuts or pecans. Drizzling caramel over the top can elevate this cake to a new level of indulgence.