There’s something so magical about a slice of warm apple cake fresh from the oven. The sweet, comforting aroma filling the kitchen, the first forkful that crumbles tenderly into your mouth—it’s a simple pleasure that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. Irish Apple Cake, or “Cast Iron Apple Cake” as some call it in old country kitchens, holds a special place in many hearts.

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This cake hails from rural Ireland, where apple trees dotted the countryside and home bakers would use whatever fruit they had on hand. It’s not overly sweet like a frosted American cake. Instead, it leans on the natural sweetness of the apples, complemented by a lightly spiced, buttery crumb and a crunchy sugar topping. It’s a true taste of home, especially perfect for cozying up on a chilly afternoon with a mug of hot tea.

Growing up, this cake was a staple around St. Patrick’s Day, but really, it’s a year-round favorite. Whether baked for Sunday family dinners, friendly get-togethers, or simply to celebrate the first harvest of apples in early fall, this cake reminds us that some of the best desserts are the simplest ones.

Let’s get into why you’ll fall in love with this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Simple and rustic: No fancy equipment needed—just basic ingredients and a little love.
Loaded with apples: Every bite bursts with tender, juicy fruit.
Perfectly spiced: The subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg make it feel extra cozy.
A beautiful dessert for any occasion: It looks lovely on any dessert table, yet it’s humble enough for everyday treats.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 ounces butter, cold and diced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large apples, peeled and sliced
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk

For the Topping:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

HOW TO MAKE Traditional Irish Apple Cake:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease and line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. I love using a springform pan for easy removal later.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices are key—just a whisper of warmth to enhance the apples without overpowering them.

3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold diced butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s a little messy but therapeutic—kind of like giving the flour a good massage.

4. Add the Sugar and Apples: Stir in the sugar, then gently fold in the sliced apples. You want the apples well coated but still holding their shape.

5. Bind with Eggs and Milk: In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs and milk together. Pour this into the apple-flour mixture and stir until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—you want a rustic, slightly shaggy batter.

6. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and gently spread it out. Sprinkle the top evenly with granulated sugar for that irresistible crunchy topping once baked.

7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell that fills your kitchen? Pure heaven.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack. It’s delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature, dusted with a little extra powdered sugar if you like.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Choose the right apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold up beautifully while baking.
Cold butter is key: Make sure your butter is properly cold so you get that lovely crumbly texture in the cake.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients, stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
Add a personal twist: Feel free to toss in a handful of raisins or a pinch more cinnamon if you’re feeling extra cozy.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Irish
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

This cake is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but honestly, it’s so comforting even a day or two later. You can gently reheat slices in the microwave if you want to bring back that just-baked warmth.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per slice, approximate)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 20g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can swap in half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but using all whole wheat may make the cake a bit dense.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

What should I serve with Irish Apple Cake?
It’s fantastic with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of custard if you’re feeling fancy.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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CONCLUSION

Traditional Irish Apple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet little connection to the past, a reminder of simpler times when the best ingredients came right from the garden or orchard. It’s a cake meant to be shared around a table, with laughter, love, and a little bit of story-telling thrown in. Whether you’re baking it for a festive holiday, a family gathering, or just a Tuesday that needs a little extra warmth, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.