By Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce captures the essence of desserts|cakes while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
For the Custard Sauce:
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the diced apples and raisins (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Custard Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Strain the custard sauce through a fine sieve to remove any curdled bits if necessary.
Serve:
Slice the cooled apple cake and serve with a generous drizzle of warm custard sauce on top.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
Warm, spiced apple cake that’s soft and moist
Creamy, indulgent custard sauce for the perfect finish
A comforting, delicious dessert perfect for any occasion
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
