Jam-packed with apples, filled with warming spices, and topped with a sugar topping for added texture, this tender
Irish apple cake is the best gift you can give yourself this St. Patrick’s Day. The best part? It’s equally as delicious for breakfast as it is an after-dinner dessert. Leave the custard off for a breakfast you’ll look forward to all week, or top with the rich vanilla sauce to give this cake an extra sweet upgrade. Keep reading for all of our top tips on how to make it the best it can be:
The best apples for an Irish apple cake:
We recommend Granny Smith apples for this cake. Their slightly tart flavor balances out the sweetness of this cake, and their firm, crisp texture helps them hold their shape while baking.
Tip: Looking for more ways to use apples? Consult our apple guide for a rundown on the various types and when to use them.
How to make the custard sauce:
While the custard sauce isn’t totally necessary, it is traditional (and ridiculously delicious). The simple vanilla custard sauce adds a rich component to our simple apple cake; if you usually have this for breakfast, the sauce is the perfect way to transform this dish into a decadent dessert.
Tip: We used vanilla bean when making our sauce, but you can also use pure vanilla extract if you have that on hand!
Serving Irish apple cake:
We love to serve this cake with a drizzle of custard sauce, but that isn’t your only option. Serve it plain, or consider topping it with the streusel topping we use in our apple coffee cake.
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for around 4-5 days. Microwave a slice when you’re ready to eat, and enjoy it all week long.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!