Name: Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 can Cooking spray; ¾ cup All-purpose flour; ¼ cup Rolled oats; ½ cup Sugar; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter (cold); 8 tablespoons Unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup Sugar; 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract; 2 large Eggs; 1¼ cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (ground); ¼ teaspoon Salt; 3 tablespoons Whole milk; 3 large Granny Smith apples; 1½ cups Whole milk; 6 large Egg yolks; 6 tablespoons Sugar; 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract

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Making Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard is like taking a trip down memory lane, where the crisp air of fall and the scent of baked apples fill your home. It’s a comforting dessert that reminds me of family gatherings, where each slice brings warmth and joy. As the aroma wafts through the kitchen, I can’t help but smile, knowing that this delightful cake has the power to bring everyone together. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive holiday, this recipe never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made it; I was nervous but excited, and the result was pure bliss. The combination of tender apples and rich custard is truly a match made in heaven, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
55 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
5g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15g g

Tools Used:
9-inch springform pan

What We Adore About This Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard

Perfect Fall Flavor

There’s something magical about the flavors of fall captured in Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard. The tartness of the apples blends beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, creating a cozy and inviting dessert. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes each bite a celebration of autumn.

Comforting Custard

The silky vanilla custard that accompanies the cake takes it to another level. It adds a creamy richness that complements the cake’s texture perfectly. Trust me, once you pour that custard over the cake, you’ll never look back!

Easy to Make

You don’t have to be a baking expert to whip up this delightful treat. With straightforward steps, it’s accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The method is simple yet rewarding, making it a great recipe for anyone looking to impress.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the year, but it shines particularly in the fall. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s a dessert that everyone will enjoy. It’s great for birthdays, holidays, or just because you want something sweet!

Perfect for Leftovers

One of the best things about this cake is how well it keeps. If you happen to have any leftovers, they make for a wonderful snack or dessert the next day. Just a quick warm-up in the microwave, and you’re ready to enjoy it all over again! What’s not to love about a dessert that keeps on giving?

Ingredients You’ll Need for Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard

Gathering the ingredients for Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard is part of the fun! Each ingredient plays a crucial role, coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The key players are the fresh apples, which provide a delightful tartness, complemented by the rich custard that adds depth to every bite.

Cooking spray: Essential for preventing the cake from sticking to the pan.
¾ cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for our cake, providing structure and stability.
¼ cup rolled oats: Adds a lovely texture and a hint of nuttiness.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; adjust to taste as needed.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold): Helps create a flaky texture in the cake’s crumble topping.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): For creaming with sugar, making it light and fluffy.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with aromatic sweetness.
2 eggs: Binds the cake together and adds moisture.
1¼ cups all-purpose flour: A second amount for the batter, ensuring the right consistency.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon cinnamon (ground): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
3 tablespoons whole milk: Contributes to the cake’s moisture.
3 Granny Smith apples: Cored, peeled, and thinly sliced, they provide the perfect tartness.
1½ cups whole milk: Used for making the custard, adding creaminess.
6 egg yolks: Enriches the custard, making it thick and luscious.
6 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the custard to balance the tart apples.

How to Assemble Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard

Assembling Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard is a delightful process that allows you to see the transformation from simple ingredients to a beautiful dessert. Let’s dive right in!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have the proper temperature so that your cake bakes evenly.
Line a 9-inch springform pan or a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Use some of the cooking spray or softened butter to grease the pan, ensuring the cake comes out easily after baking.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup rolled oats, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Use a knife to cut the butter into cubes and rub it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Place this mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter.
In a stand mixer, cream the 8 tablespoons of room temperature butter with the remaining ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is vital for incorporating air into the batter, which helps it rise.
Mix in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and then beat in the 2 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. With the mixer running, slowly add this flour mixture to the wet mixture, blending just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Mix in the 3 tablespoons of whole milk until the batter is smooth. This will help loosen the batter slightly, making it easier to spread in the pan.
Once the batter is ready, transfer it into the prepared pan. Layer the 3 Granny Smith apples over the top, arranging them nicely for an appealing presentation. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
Bake for 55 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly in the pan.
Meanwhile, prepare the custard. In a medium saucepan, heat the 1½ cups whole milk over medium heat until just simmering, being careful not to let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 6 egg yolks with 6 tablespoons of sugar until well combined.
While whisking constantly, slowly pour about half of the warmed milk into the egg mixture. This will temper the eggs. Then transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon constantly until just thickened. Do not overcook!
Once thickened, stir in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. If the custard is lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky texture.
Slice the cooled cake and serve it drizzled with the warm custard. Enjoy every bite of this comforting treat!

Things Worth Knowing

Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for creaming, which creates a fluffy batter.
Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake.
Cooling Time: Let the cake cool slightly to help it set and make slicing easier.
Custard Consistency: Watch the custard closely while cooking; it should thicken but not boil, or it may curdle.

Helpful Hints

Here are some helpful hints that will make your baking experience even better:

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The custard can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, microwave the cake until warm and serve with fresh custard.
Freezing: The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Variations: Experiment with different apples or add nuts to the crumble for added texture.

Perfect Pairings for Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard

When serving Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard, there are plenty of wonderful ways to enhance your experience:

Pair with Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a delightful afternoon treat.
Ideal for Family Gatherings: This cake is perfect for sharing during family dinners or special occasions.
Seasonal Celebrations: Highlight this dessert during fall festivities, Thanksgiving, or any cozy gathering.
Side Dishes: Serve with a light salad to balance the richness of the cake.
Storage Tips: Keep the custard in a separate container to maintain its creamy texture.

FAQ

Irish Apple Cake is distinct because of its unique combination of tart apples and warm spices, creating a flavor profile that’s distinctly comforting. Unlike traditional cakes, it often features a crumble topping that adds texture and enhances the overall flavor. The cake is moist and tender, thanks to the use of butter and eggs, and is often served warm, making it a perfect dessert for autumn gatherings or chilly evenings. The addition of custard elevates the experience, providing a rich and creamy contrast to the cake.

While Granny Smith apples are the traditional choice for Irish Apple Cake due to their tartness, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add a different dimension of sweetness. However, if you’re using sweeter apples, consider reducing the sugar in the cake batter to balance the flavors. The key is to ensure that the apples maintain some tartness to complement the sweet cake and rich custard.

To determine if your Irish Apple Cake is done, you should look for a few key signs. First, check that the top is lightly browned and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven. Also, the edges of the cake should begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Yes, you can make Irish Apple Cake ahead of time, which is one of its many perks. You can bake it a day or two before your event and store it at room temperature under a dome to keep it fresh. The flavors often get better as it sits. If you want to prepare it even further in advance, you can freeze the unbaked cake for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

The Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard is a warm, inviting dessert that beautifully captures the essence of fall. With its tender apple cake and luscious custard, it’s a treat that will surely impress family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe, as it’s not just a dish—it’s a heartfelt experience that brings comfort and joy to any occasion.