Irish Apple Cake - Health Official Tips

Creating an Irresistible Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake

When it comes to timeless desserts, the Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake is a standout. With its buttery, tender texture and warm cinnamon flavor, this apple cake is a slice of comfort with every bite. Traditionally served with a velvety custard sauce, this cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a heartwarming treat on a cool day.

The hallmark of this cake is its rustic preparation, reminiscent of old-fashioned farmhouse baking. By rubbing the butter into the flour, the batter takes on an airy, pastry-like texture. Topped with a crunchy streusel and dusted with powdered sugar, this cake strikes the perfect balance of soft, crumbly, and sweet.

Whether served on its own or paired with creamy custard sauce, this authentic recipe is sure to bring a taste of Ireland into your home. Let’s explore how to prepare this traditional delight step by step.

Prepping the Essentials

Start with the right equipment:
To bake this apple cake, a 9-inch springform pan works best, as it allows for easy removal of the delicate cake once baked. Grease the pan thoroughly to ensure a seamless release.

Making the Custard Sauce

The luscious custard sauce elevates this dessert to new heights. Here’s how to make it:

Heat the Milk: Bring whole milk (or half and half for extra creaminess) to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until smooth and pale in color.
Tempering the Eggs: Gradually drizzle a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from curdling. Slowly incorporate more milk, then pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook Until Thickened: Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling, as this can curdle the sauce.
Strain and Chill: Pour the custard through a sieve into a heatproof container to remove any lumps. Add vanilla extract for flavor, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until fully chilled.

Crafting the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to the cake. To prepare:

Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, granulated sugar, and rolled oats in a bowl.
Incorporate Butter: Cut cold, unsalted butter into small pieces and rub it into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the topping until needed.

Mixing the Cake Batter

The batter forms the foundation of this dessert:

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, airy texture.
Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with a splash of whole milk or cream. This ensures a smooth and even batter.

Assembling the Cake

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

Layer the Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread it evenly.
Add the Apples: Peel and thinly slice Granny Smith apples, then arrange them on top of the batter in an even layer. These tart apples balance the sweetness of the cake and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
Top with Streusel: Sprinkle the chilled streusel mixture over the apples, covering them generously for a delightful crunch.

Baking and Finishing

Bake: Place the cake in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Dust with Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cake with confectioner’s sugar for a final touch of sweetness.

Simple Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons whole milk or cream
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced

For the Streusel Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup rolled oats
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
½ cup granulated sugar

For the Custard Sauce:

6 large egg yolks
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1½ cups whole milk or half and half
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Custard: Simmer milk over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Gradually add hot milk, whisking constantly, then return to the pan and stir until thickened. Strain, add vanilla, and chill.
Make the Streusel: Combine flour, sugar, and oats. Rub in cold butter until crumbly. Chill.
Mix the Batter: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Fold in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt), alternating with milk.
Assemble: Spread batter in a greased 9-inch springform pan. Layer sliced apples on top, followed by streusel.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with custard sauce.

This traditional Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake is a must-try for lovers of rustic, homestyle desserts. Whether you enjoy it warm with custard or simply on its own, this cake promises a deliciously cozy experience!

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