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Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This classic Irish Apple Cake is a comforting dessert featuring a tender apple-spiced cake topped with a crunchy oat streusel. Served warm with a rich, homemade vanilla custard sauce, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for cozy gatherings or a special family treat.

Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 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

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (for cornstarch mixture)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until well combined; set aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the cake batter.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the 1/4 cup whole milk until the batter is smooth.
  5. Finish Batter: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently mix in the dry flour mixture just until combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the diced Granny Smith apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer Batter: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased cake pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
  7. Make Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and rolled oats. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until pea-sized crumbs form, creating a crumbly topping texture.
  8. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set before serving.
  10. Heat Milk for Sauce: In a large saucepan, gently heat 1 1/2 cups whole milk over medium-high heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat to prevent boiling over.
  11. Whisk Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, which helps develop a smooth custard texture.
  12. Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture to raise its temperature gradually and prevent curdling. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan.
  13. Thicken Sauce: Whisk together 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  14. Finish Sauce: Remove the custard from heat, whisk in the vanilla extract, and strain it through a fine sieve to remove any lumps for a silky finish.
  15. Serve: Slice the cooled cake and serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by the freshly made vanilla custard sauce for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

  • Using Granny Smith apples provides a perfect tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
  • The custard sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives but adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Ensure to fold the apples gently to avoid breaking them down and maintain texture in the cake.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 to 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/irish-apple-cake-with-custard-sauce-recipe/