Irish Apple Cake
A delightful apple cake featuring tender, spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
For the streusel topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter Cut into small pieces
For the cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar Helps create a tender crumb
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Offers subtle spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- 1 cup unsalted butter Softened
- 4 large eggs Binds ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness
- 1/2 cup milk Adds moisture
- 4 large Granny Smith apples Tart apples for flavor
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Prevents browning of apples
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, oats, and salt for the streusel topping. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pan. Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with parchment paper.
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
Baking
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla until the batter is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, alternating with milk, just until combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the batter.
- Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the apples.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing, then let it cool fully.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients, opt for fresh Granny Smith apples, and avoid overmixing the batter for the best results. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature.