This delightful dessert features tender spiced apples nestled in a moist cake, topped with a buttery streusel, and drizzled with a creamy custard sauce. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 1 pound)
- Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Custard Sauce:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Custard Sauce:
- Heat the milk over medium heat until it simmers (do not boil).
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until smooth.
- Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them.
- Slowly pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Strain the custard through a sieve to remove any lumps.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill completely.
2. Making the Streusel Topping:
- Combine the flour, oats, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and blend with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Refrigerate the streusel topping until ready to use.
3. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.
4. Assembling the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the batter, covering it in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the apples.
5. Baking and Cooling:
- Bake the cake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before removing the sides of the springform pan.
- Dust the cake with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spiced Apple Cake warm or at room temperature with the chilled custard sauce drizzled generously over the top. This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture. They hold up well during baking.
- For an even richer and creamier custard, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Keep the butter for the streusel topping very cold to ensure a crisp and crumbly texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, the Spiced Apple Cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can reheat individual slices if desired before serving.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A regular 9-inch round baking pan can be used. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of the cake after baking.
Easy Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 372.87 kcal
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 Granny Smith apples
For the Streusel:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup oats
- 6 tablespoons cold butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For the Custard:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
For the Custard: Heat the milk in a saucepan. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, then gradually temper the yolks by adding the hot milk while whisking. Return the mixture to the stove and cook until thickened. Strain, stir in vanilla extract, and chill the custard.
For the Streusel: In a bowl, mix the cold butter into the flour, oats, and sugar until the mixture becomes crumbly. Chill until ready to use.
For the Cake: Cream together the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) and add them alternately with the milk to the butter mixture.
Spread the cake batter into the prepared pan, top with apple slices, and sprinkle the streusel mixture over the apples.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving with the chilled custard. Enjoy!