Irish Apple Cake – 1 Bowl, 1 Hour – The Easiest Apple Cake Recipe
Craving a cozy homemade dessert? This Irish Apple Cake is a one-bowl wonder, ready in just one hour! Packed with fresh apples and warm spices, it’s a foolproof recipe for beginners. Discover the secrets to this traditional Irish treat!.
What if I told you that you could bake the most deliciously moist apple cake with just one bowl and simple ingredients? No fancy techniques, no stress—just a warm, comforting dessert straight from Ireland’s heart. Sounds amazing, right?
This Irish Apple Cake is the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell incredible. Imagine a soft, buttery cake bursting with juicy apples and a hint of cinnamon—every bite feels like a cozy hug! And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this recipe.
Irish Apple Cake – 1 Bowl, 1 Hour – The Easiest Apple Cake Recipe
Equipment :
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients :
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup buttermilk or milk with 1 tsp vinegar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- For Topping Optional:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions :
- Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Add the Apples & Bake:
- Fold in the sliced apples and transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the top with the cinnamon-sugar topping for extra crunch.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm with custard sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- No complicated steps! Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Authentic Irish flavors that make it special.
- Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, dessert, or a teatime treat.
What Makes Irish Apple Cake Special?
A Taste of Irish Tradition
Irish Apple Cake isn’t just any apple cake—it’s a piece of history! Dating back to the days when Irish grandmothers baked with simple farm-fresh ingredients, this cake has been a beloved comfort food for generations. Unlike American apple pie, which has a crisp crust, Irish Apple Cake is more like a tender sponge cake loaded with juicy apples and warm spices.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this cake so special?
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Just one bowl and one hour!
- Rustic and hearty – It’s slightly dense, moist, and packed with fresh apple chunks.
- Not too sweet – Perfect for those who prefer a lightly spiced, natural apple taste.
Traditional vs. Modern Versions
The traditional Irish Apple Cake was often made in cast-iron pots over an open fire, giving it a rustic, slightly crispy exterior. Today, we make it in the oven, but the soul of the recipe remains the same. Some bakers even add a crumbly streusel topping or a drizzle of warm custard for an extra indulgent touch.
👉 Want to explore more Irish desserts? Check out Epicurious for an incredible collection of Irish-inspired treats!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The Magic Behind the Ingredients
One of the best things about this Irish Apple Cake? You don’t need anything fancy—just everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
Here’s what makes each ingredient shine:
- Apples – The star of the show! Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley give the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Flour – All-purpose flour keeps the cake soft and slightly dense, just like the traditional version.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar – Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Eggs – Give structure and a little fluffiness to the cake.
- Milk – Adds moisture, making every bite soft and tender.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise without making it too airy.
- Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg) – A warm, cozy touch that pairs beautifully with apples.
👉 Want to learn more about picking the best apples for baking? Check out this guide from Bon Appétit.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces so they bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the apples so they are evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk, then pour into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until combined.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. For an authentic Irish experience, serve it with warm custard sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving and Enjoying Your Irish Apple Cake
How to Serve for Maximum Flavor
The best way to enjoy this cake? Freshly baked and slightly warm! Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Classic Irish Style – Serve with a generous drizzle of warm custard sauce for an authentic touch.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream melts into the cake, adding a creamy contrast.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A simple, elegant way to enhance the flavor without overpowering the apples.
- Whipped Cream or Yogurt – A light and refreshing topping for those who prefer a creamy twist.
👉 Want to make the perfect homemade whipped cream? Try this easy guide from The Spruce Eats.
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
This cake stays delicious for days if stored properly! Here’s how:
At Room Temperature (1-2 Days)
- Store in an airtight container to keep it moist.
- Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
In the Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days)
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Warm up slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Freezing for Later (Up to 3 Months)
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- To thaw, leave at room temperature for an hour or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
👉 Need more baking storage tips? Check out this expert guide from Food Network.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations of this recipe:
1. Add Nuts for a Crunch
Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
2. Caramel Apple Cake
Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cake for a gooey, sweet finish.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free baking flour—it works just as well!
4. Spiced Apple Cake
Boost the cozy factor by adding a pinch of cloves and ginger for extra warmth.
