Irish Apple Cake

Enjoy tender Irish Apple Cake with buttery streusel and warm vanilla custard on top. A rustic, comforting dessert that’s easy to make!

Author: Donna Elick

Servings: (1 slice)

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Total Time1 5

Ingredients

Apple Cake

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs room temperature
1/4 cup whole milk
3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)

Streusel Topping

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
6 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed

Custard Sauce

2 cups whole milk divided
5 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

PREPARE OVEN: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray.
MIX DRY INGREDIENTS: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Set aside.
CREAM BUTTER: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
ADD WET INGREDIENTS: Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in ¼ cup whole milk until combined.
FINISH BATTER: Reduce mixer speed to low and mix in the flour mixture just until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
TRANSFER BATTER: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
MAKE STREUSEL: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup flour, ½ cup sugar, and rolled oats. Cut in 6 tablespoons cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
TOP AND BAKE: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
COOL CAKE: Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan.
HEAT MILK: For the custard sauce, add 1 ½ cups milk to a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high until just simmering, then remove from heat.
WHISK EGGS: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ⅓ cup sugar until pale.
TEMPER: Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture. Return everything to the saucepan.
THICKEN: In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ½ cup milk with the cornstarch. Stir into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
FINISH SAUCE: Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla extract, then strain to remove any lumps.
SERVE: Slice the cake and serve warm or at room temperature with custard sauce.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The cake can be made up to 4 days ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Storage: Store custard sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm custard gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Apple Tip: This cake is meant to be apple-heavy. The apples soften during baking and give the cake its signature texture and flavor.

No Sauce Option: Skip the custard and dust the cake with powdered sugar for a lighter breakfast-style treat.

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