Here’s a delightful recipe for Irish Apple Cake, a traditional dessert that combines tender apples with a soft, spiced cake. It’s perfect for serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Irish Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3-4 medium apples (such as Bramley, Granny Smith, or any tart variety), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss with the apples)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping, optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a square baking dish.
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Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in Apples: Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
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Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. If desired, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top for added sweetness and a nice crust.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Enjoy!
This Irish Apple Cake is a comforting dessert that showcases the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, and it makes a wonderful addition to any gathering or celebration!