This Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is a traditional Irish dessert that’s dense, buttery, and packed with apples. 🍏🍰 The cake has a slightly crunchy sugar crust and is lightly spiced with nutmeg and cloves, making it a perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy fall dessert. Served with a warm, creamy custard sauce, this cake is an absolute delight for apple lovers!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 ounces butter (cold)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 large Granny Smith apples (or Golden Delicious)
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling on top)

For the Custard Sauce:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round springform pan (use an 8-inch pan for a taller cake). Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, salt, cloves, and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate Butter: Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles fine crumbs. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar.
4. Add Apples: Peel and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices, then cut them into smaller chunks. Toss the apples into the flour mixture and mix until well coated.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together, then pour into the apple-flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined (the batter will be thick and dough-like).
6. Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving with warm custard sauce.

For the Custard Sauce:

1. Whisk Eggs & Sugar: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk just to a boil. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
3. Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 4 minutes until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Serve warm or cold over slices of apple cake.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~6g
• Fat: ~12g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Sugar: ~30g
• Sodium: ~80mg
• Fiber: ~3g

Why You’ll Love This Irish Apple Cake

• A Taste of Irish Tradition: A beloved dessert with deep roots in Irish baking.
• Warm and Cozy Flavors: Spiced with cloves and nutmeg, perfect for chilly days.
• Moist and Buttery Texture: The cake is dense but tender, thanks to the apples.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and no fancy techniques required.
• Perfect with Custard Sauce: The smooth, creamy vanilla custard adds an extra layer of indulgence.

The History of Irish Apple Cake

Irish Apple Cake has been a staple in Irish kitchens for generations, originally baked over an open hearth fire in cast-iron pots. Apples were widely available in Ireland, making this a popular farmhouse dessert that was served with tea or as a special Sunday treat.

Unlike American apple pie, which has a flaky crust, Irish apple cake is more like a cross between a coffee cake and a scone, with a slightly crumbly texture that holds up well to the moistness of fresh apples.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Cake Special

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of this apple cake.

• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and custard. Golden Delicious apples also work well.
• Cold Butter: Cutting cold butter into the flour creates a light, tender crumb similar to a scone or biscuit.
• Spices (Nutmeg & Cloves): Classic warming spices add depth and richness to the cake.
• Eggs & Milk: Provide moisture and structure to create a soft yet sturdy texture.
• Sugar Topping: A sprinkle of sugar on top creates a delightful crunch after baking.
• Vanilla Custard Sauce: The perfect complement to the cake, making it extra indulgent.

Tips for the Best Irish Apple Cake

To achieve the perfect moist, flavorful apple cake, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Cut Butter into the Flour Properly: The texture should be like breadcrumbs before adding the wet ingredients.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense rather than light and tender.
• Sprinkle Sugar on Top: This helps create a light, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
• Let the Cake Cool Slightly: Allowing it to cool for 10-15 minutes makes slicing easier while keeping it warm for serving.

How to Make the Perfect Vanilla Custard Sauce

The warm vanilla custard sauce is what truly sets this cake apart. Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened, it pairs beautifully with the buttery, spiced apple cake.

Tips for a Perfect Custard Sauce:

• Whisk Constantly: This prevents the eggs from scrambling while thickening.
• Don’t Boil the Custard: Cook over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
• Strain for Smoothness: If you notice any lumps, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve for a perfectly silky texture.
• Serve Warm or Cold: Warm custard is comforting, while chilled custard creates a contrast with the warm cake.

How to Serve Irish Apple Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but adding the right accompaniments makes it even better.

Best Ways to Serve It:

• Drizzle with Custard Sauce: Pour warm custard over each slice for a decadent touch.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and an elegant look.
• Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream: A lighter alternative to custard.
• Pair with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is unbeatable.
• Enjoy with a Cup of Tea or Coffee: A traditional way to savor Irish apple cake.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Irish Dessert Experience

Pairing this cake with the right drinks and sides enhances its flavor and completes the Irish experience.

Drinks That Complement Irish Apple Cake:

• Irish Breakfast Tea: A classic pairing that enhances the cake’s warm spices.
• Irish Coffee: The combination of whiskey, coffee, and cream is a match made in heaven.
• Warm Mulled Cider: Highlights the apple flavors in the cake.
• Bailey’s Irish Cream Latte: Adds a hint of Irish indulgence.

Side Dishes That Work Well with Apple Cake:

• Cheese & Fruit Platter: A selection of sharp Irish cheddar, grapes, and nuts balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel brings out the richness of the apples.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating the Cake: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.
• Reheating the Custard: Warm over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure perfect results every time, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Using Warm Butter Instead of Cold Butter: Cold butter ensures a flaky texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: This can make the cake too dense and tough.
• Skipping the Sugar Topping: The sugar crust adds texture and visual appeal.
• Boiling the Custard: High heat can scramble the eggs—keep it low and slow.
• Using the Wrong Apples: Soft apples like Red Delicious turn mushy—stick to Granny Smith or Golden Delicious.

Conclusion

Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is a timeless, comforting dessert that captures the heart of traditional Irish baking. Its buttery, tender crumb filled with spiced apples pairs beautifully with the smooth, velvety vanilla custard, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a tea party, or craving a cozy homemade treat, this cake delivers warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort.

With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and classic appeal, this Irish apple cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try making it today, and enjoy a slice of Ireland’s rich culinary tradition!