Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping and Custard Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Irish Apple Cake is a comforting classic that combines tender cake, tart apples, and a buttery streusel topping. Served warm with a smooth custard sauce, it’s perfect for cozy afternoons or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp whole milk or cream
• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• About 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced (a little over a pound after slicing)
• Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Streusel topping:

• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 6 Tbsp unsalted cold butter, cut in small pieces
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Custard sauce:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half and half or cream)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Prepare the custard sauce by heating the milk in a saucepan until it simmers gently. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk into the yolks, whisking constantly, then return the mixture to the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain through a fine sieve, stir in vanilla, and refrigerate to chill.
3. Step 3: Make the streusel topping by combining the flour, oats, sugar, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Chill the streusel in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold these dry ingredients into the batter along with the milk or cream until just combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared springform pan. Arrange the sliced apples in a single layer over the batter, then sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the apples.
7. Step 7: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool slightly before dusting with confectioner’s sugar. Serve warm alongside the chilled custard sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts to the streusel topping.
• If Granny Smith apples aren’t available, other tart apple varieties like Braeburn or Jonathan work well.
• Make sure your butter for the streusel is very cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
• The custard sauce can be flavored with a splash of whiskey or a pinch of nutmeg for a twist.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep the custard sauce separately refrigerated and bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before serving again. The cake can also be frozen without custard for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?

Yes, a regular 9-inch cake pan will work fine. Just be sure to grease it well and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Is there a vegan alternative to the custard sauce?

You can substitute the traditional custard with a dairy-free vanilla pudding or make a coconut-based custard for a vegan-friendly option.