Go Back
traditional irish apple cake topped with fresh apple slices and powdered sugar

Authentic Irish Apple Cake

Emma F., smiling female cake chef wearing a pastel pink apron in a cozy kitchenEmma F.
A traditional Irish apple cake that combines fresh apples, spices, and a moist cake base for a delightful dessert experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole milk

Apples

  • 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.

Mixing

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until fully incorporated.
  • Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Baking

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving and Storage

  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute almond milk for whole milk for a dairy-free option. How to Serve: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the batter a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake fresh when needed.
Keyword Irish apple, irish apple cake, Traditional dessert