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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHAT YOU GET: An Irish Apple Cake recipe that’s simple, delicious, and straight from my Irish mum — so it’s as authentic as it gets.
This classic Irish Apple Cake may seem humble but it is a diamond in the rough. Somewhere a cross between an American coffee cake and an apple pie, this cake is one of my mum’s best Irish recipes. I am so happy to share this with you as I know it will be an instant family favorite.
If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my Best-Ever Irish Scones, Irish Potato Farls, Irish Soda Bread, and more.
The Best Kind Of Apples For Apple Cake
The cake part of this apple cake is light and moist then topped off with thinly sliced granny smith apples. I use granny smith apples when baking this cake because their slightly tart flavor really balances out the sweetness of whatever they are added to. Also, they hold their shape and stay in slices for a nice presentation.
What You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9-Inch Cake Pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Streusel
To top off the layer of sliced apples is my favorite part of any coffee cake: a streusel! A streusel is made by rubbing together cold butter, flour, and sugar. In this streusel, the oats are a special addition that adds a toasty flavor and crunch. This layer on top of the cake forms a golden-brown crust and also makes the sliced apples beneath them cook into the cake, making it super moist and fruity!
If you love coffee cake, you’re going to love this — especially if you love it for the topping. Because honestly, who doesn’t?
The Cake Pan To Use for Irish Apple Cake
I think the best option for this apple cake is a 9-inch cake pan.
The reason being is that this cake isn’t incredibly deep so it’s nice to bake it in a 9 or even 8-inch pan so it appears deeper. Also, once you line the cake pan with parchment, the cake will remove easily.
NOTE: No need for a springform cheesecake pan as sometimes they can be 10 to 12 inches which isn’t needed.

How To Store Apple Cake
This traditional Irish Apple Cake can be covered and stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature.
Coffee cakes and Teacakes like this are always best when kept at room temperature. There is no fresh cream or anything that requires it to be refrigerated and the texture and flavor are so much better at room temperature rather than cold from the fridge. If you live in a hot country, refrigerate, then remove to room temperature one hour before serving.
How Long Does It Last?
This cake will last up to 4 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Just allow defrosting fully before serving. You can also refresh it a little in the microwave or cover it in foil in a 350°F (180°c) oven for 15 minutes. This just softens the cake again.
Get more Irish Recipes:
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