This Irish Apple Cake with Crème Anglaise is the ultimate comfort bake. Made with tart apples, warm spices, and a golden sugary top, it's a rustic dessert that feels like home. The creamy vanilla custard sauce takes it to the next level, making every bite soft, spiced, and completely cozy. Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins | Yield: Serves 8
A Cozy, Traditional Dessert
If you've been searching for traditional Irish desserts, one that's easy enough for a weekday and special enough for guests, this Irish Apple Cake is for you. Have you ever baked a cake that feels like a hug? The kind that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas and turns an ordinary day into something special? This Irish Apple Cake with Crème Anglaise does exactly that. It's not just a recipe; it's a tradition, a memory, and the ultimate comfort bake all rolled into one.
Let's dive in and bake something that will have your friends and family gathering around, forks in hand, ready for a second slice (and maybe even a third). If you in the mood for even more apple filled goodness, check out my Apple Cider Donuts and the always a favorite yet Easy Homemade Apple Crisp. These are two of my favorite cozy apple desserts perfect for fall baking.
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⭐ Why This Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
Irish Apple Cakes with custard are steeped in history, originating as a simple farmhouse recipe where the star ingredient - apples - shines. What makes this cake unforgettable is its balance. It's not too sweet, letting the apples and warm spices take center stage. And when paired with crème anglaise, a rich and creamy vanilla custard, it transforms into an indulgent dessert that feels both rustic and refined.
What Makes It So Special?
- Tart Apples, Big Flavor:
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn are essential; they hold their shape and balance the cake's natural sweetness beautifully. - Warm, Cozy Spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove create that unmistakable "freshly baked" aroma that no candle can replicate. Honestly, nutmeg elevates this recipe. Our friends over at Superb Salt explains why Nutmeg is so aromatic and elevating. - Golden Sugary Crunch:
The topping is just the right amount of sweet, offering a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender cake. - The Showstopper is the Crème Anglaise:
A silky vanilla custard sauce that soaks into the cake, making each bite an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
🥘 Key Ingredients
- Apples: Stick to firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture
- Spices: Don't skip the nutmeg and clove; these small additions elevate the cake into something magical
- Butter: Always use unsalted, high-quality butter for a rich, tender crumb
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs ensure better mixing and a smoother batter.
💭 Kendra's Baking Tips
1. Don't Overmix Your Batter:
The secret to a tender cake is treating the batter gently. Mix until just combined; overmixing can result in a dense, chewy cake.
2. Prepare Your Apples:
Peel, core, and slice your apples uniformly. This ensures they bake evenly and provide a consistent texture in every slice.
3. Let It Cool (Just a Little):
While the cake is irresistible fresh from the oven, letting it cool slightly before serving helps the flavors meld.
4. Crème Anglaise Pro Tip:
If you're new to making custard, keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid curdling. A little patience goes a long way!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This cake is a dessert that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
- Warm or Room Temperature? Serve it slightly warm for a more comforting experience or at room temperature to let the flavors fully develop.
- Pairings: A cup of strong black tea or coffee is the perfect complement.
- Crème Anglaise Ideas: Drizzle generously over the cake or serve on the side for guests to pour themselves. Have leftovers? Try it on pancakes, waffles, or even as a dip for fresh fruit.
☕ Why You'll Bake This Irish Cake Again and Again
Baking this rustic Irish Apple Cake isn't just about creating a dessert; it's about creating a moment. Imagine your family gathering in the kitchen, drawn by the warm, spiced aroma. Picture the satisfying crunch of the sugary crust giving way to tender apples and soft cake, all rounded out by the velvety richness of crème anglaise.
This is a recipe that feels like home, no matter where you are. It's simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough to wow guests at a dinner party.
🍎 Final Thoughts
This Irish Apple Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a timeless recipe filled with love, flavor, and the spirit of simple, from-scratch baking. There's something magical about turning simple ingredients into a dessert that brings people together. This Irish Apple Cake with Crème Anglaise is more than a recipe; it's a way to connect, celebrate, and create memories. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake will quickly become a cherished favorite.
Ready to bake your way to comfort? Grab your apron and let's get started!
💬 Recipe FAQs
Yes! This cake actually gets better after it rests for a few hours, as the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature, tightly covered. Just add the crème anglaise right before serving for the freshest taste.
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake and custard.
Absolutely. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it slightly before serving. Note: Crème anglaise does not freeze well, so make that fresh.
Low heat and constant stirring are key! Heat the custard slowly and keep stirring to prevent curdling. If it does curdle slightly, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth texture.
If you're short on time or ingredients, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream make great alternatives. However, the custard sauce truly elevates the cake, so it's worth making if you can!
Absolutely. This recipe comes together easily with just a bowl and a sturdy spoon or hand mixer. In fact, over mixing is a common mistake, so keeping it simple can actually help you achieve that tender, just-right crumb.
A 9-inch round springform pan works best for even baking and easy removal. You can also use a deep-dish pie plate or square baking dish if that's what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Recipe
Irish Apple Cake with Crème Anglaise
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls (1 should be extra large)
- 1 Springform Pan
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups Flour (360 grams)
- 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
- 6 ounces Butter (high quality, salted)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 each Apples (Large) Cord, Peeled, Sliced
- 2 each Eggs (large)
- ¾ cup Milk
- 2 tablespoon Turbinado / Raw Sugar (for topping)
Creme Anglaise
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 each Vanilla Beans (split lengthwise & pulp scraped out)
- 6 each Eggs (Large)
- ½ cup Sugar
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Spray Springform pan with non stick spray
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in extra large bowl (the apples will be added to this later)
- Cut butter into the flour mix with pastry cutter until crumbly
- Add sugar and mix gently
- Add apples and combine thoroughly
- In separate bowl, combine eggs and milk and then add to apple mixture. Still just to combine into, thick, dough-like batter.
- Spread batter into prepared pan and top with course sugar and bake in preheated oven for 40 - 50 minutes, until done. (Toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean and top should be golden.)
- Serve warm or at room temperature with creme anglaise.
Creme Anglaise
- In small pan, warm milk, cream, and vanilla beans and pulp until just boiling. Remove from heat and allow to sit at least 15 minutes or up to an hour to infuse cream with vanilla.
- Remove vanilla bean pod.
- In separate bowl, whisk yolks and sugar to combine. Pour small amount of warm cream mix into eggs and stir to warm yolks, then add all of this to the pot with remaining cream and combine.
- Cook, stirring constantly to 180 degrees, or until it coats back of spoon.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before transferring to small bowl to cool completely.
- Chill in refrigerator for several hours or overnight before use.
Notes
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About Kendra Boettner
Hi, I'm Kendra, wife, mom of three, and the baker behind The Baker's Table. After 20+ years baking at home, including time working in professional kitchens, these are some of my favorite recipes I've learned along the way.
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Eric Boettner says
Amazing! The Creme really makes it. Flavors of this cake are amazing!