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Hi Bold Bakers!
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.
What Kind of Apples Are Best 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 nice presentation.
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!
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. 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 covered in foil in a 350°F (180°c) oven for 15 minutes. This just softens the cake again.
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Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 5 mins
It doesn't get much better than my mum's Irish Apple Cake recipe — authentically Irish with tart Granny Smith apples and a streusel topping.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
Streusel topping
- 3/4 cup (3 ¾oz/105g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (¾oz/21g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (4oz/115g) sugar
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (3oz/85g) butter
Irish Apple Cake
- 1/2 cup (4oz/115g) butter at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (4oz/115g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups (6 1/4oz/177g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 granny smith apples , peeled and sliced thin
Instructions
For the Streusel topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Next rub in the cold butter until fully incorporated and you've reached the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. Set aside in the fridge while you make the cake.
For the Irish Apple Cake:
Cream the butter and the sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Next, add in the vanilla then beat in the eggs one at a time.
In a separate medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder cinnamon, and salt.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet along with the milk.
Once the batter has formed, transfer it to the prepared cake pan and lay on the sliced apples, making sure they are arranged in one even layer.
Cover the apples with all the streusel topping.
Bake for roughly 65-75 minutes, or until the top is golden brown all over and crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow cooling slightly before turning out of the tin.
When ready to serve, dust the cake with powdered sugar, slice and enjoy. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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