Why I Love This Recipe

This Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake is an absolute treat! It’s moist, flavorful, and full of warmth from the cinnamon and apples. The cake itself is deliciously light, while the streusel topping adds a wonderful crunch. And if you opt to make the traditional custard sauce, it takes the cake to another level, giving it a rich, velvety finish. Whether you serve it with the custard or enjoy it on its own, this apple cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from tea time to family gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it feel like home, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase the fall flavors of apples and cinnamon!

Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 372.87 kcal per serving

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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

For the Streusel Topping:

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

For the Custard Sauce:

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

Instructions

1. Make the Custard Sauce:

• Simmer the milk: In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat.
• Whisk egg mixture: While the milk heats, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until well combined.
• Temper the eggs: Slowly drizzle a little bit of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Gradually add more milk, then transfer the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
• Cook the custard: Stir constantly over medium heat using a silicone spoon or spatula, scraping the sides and bottom of the pan. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Be careful not to overcook, as the mixture will thicken further as it cools.
• Strain and chill: Once thickened, stir in the vanilla. Pour the custard through a sieve into a heatproof bowl to remove any lumps. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely chilled.

2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

• Mix the streusel: In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, and sugar. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly.
• Chill the streusel: Place the streusel topping in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Make the Cake Batter:

• Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs and milk: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the milk or cream.
• Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Prepare the pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• Layer the cake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Top the batter with the sliced apples (no need to arrange them perfectly, just spread them out as evenly as possible).
• Add the streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.

5. Bake the Cake:

• Bake the cake: Place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it from the springform pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Apple selection: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances out the sweetness of the cake. However, you can also experiment with other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor.
• Chill the custard sauce: For a smoother texture, make the custard sauce ahead of time and give it time to chill in the fridge. It will also thicken as it cools.
• Perfect streusel: Be sure to use cold butter for the streusel topping to get that perfect crumbly texture. If it gets too soft while mixing, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
• Serving suggestion: Serve the cake warm with the custard sauce on the side, or enjoy it on its own with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

• Custard sauce alternatives: If you’re short on time, you can serve this cake with store-bought vanilla sauce or custard instead of making your own.
• Storage: The cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. If the cake has been served with custard sauce, store the sauce separately in the fridge.
• Freezing the cake: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I make the custard sauce in advance?
   Yes, you can make the custard sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

2. Can I use different fruit in the cake?
   While the classic Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake uses apples, other fruits like pears or berries can also be used in place of apples for a delicious variation.

3. Do I have to use a springform pan?
   A springform pan is ideal for easy removal, but if you don’t have one, you can use a regular cake pan. Just be sure to line the bottom with parchment paper to help with removal.

4. How can I make this cake dairy-free?
   To make the cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, and use almond milk or coconut milk in place of the whole milk or cream.

This Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you choose to serve it with the custard sauce or enjoy it plain, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries it!