Description
This traditional Irish apple cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring tart apples and warming spices, perfect for an authentic taste of Ireland. Made with simple ingredients and a crumbly topping, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a dollop of cream.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp mixed spice or ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- 100g (½ cup) sugar
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 3 medium tart apples (such as Bramley), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tbsp milk
For the Topping:
- 25g (2 tbsp) butter, cubed
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Set aside while preparing the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. Stir in the sugar.
- Add Butter and Rub In: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add Egg and Milk: Beat the egg with the milk, then pour into the bowl. Mix gently until you form a soft dough. The mixture will be slightly crumbly.
- Incorporate Apples: Fold the chopped apples gently into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cake: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a flat round approximately 20cm (8 inches) in diameter and 3-4cm deep. Transfer it carefully to a buttered and floured 20cm cake tin or a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Make the Topping: Scatter the cubed butter over the top of the cake dough, then sprinkle with sugar to create a sweet crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4). Bake the cake in the center of the oven for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with cream or custard.
Notes
- Using tart apples like Bramley gives a nice balance of flavor and texture.
- The mixed spice can be substituted with equal parts cinnamon and nutmeg if unavailable.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with suitable alternatives.
- This cake keeps well for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
