A Taste of Ireland: Heavenly Irish Apple Cake Delight
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the Emerald Isle with our delectable Irish Apple Cake. This dessert is a celebration of Ireland’s rich culinary heritage, combining the wholesome flavors of Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and a heavenly streusel topping. Whether you have Irish roots or simply appreciate the magic of a well-baked treat, this Irish Apple Cake will transport you to a cozy kitchen in the heart of Ireland. Join us as we unravel the secrets to creating a dessert that marries simplicity with indulgence.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 Granny Smith apples, large
Refrigerated
- 2 Eggs, large
Breakfast Foods
- 1/4 cup Rolled oats, old fashioned
Baking & Spices
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar, packed light
- 1 Cake batter
- 2 1/4 tsp Cinnamon, ground
- 1 Cinnamon glaze
- 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cup Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Streusel
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
Dairy
- 14 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 3 2/3 tbsp Whole milk
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Apple Alchemy
- Begin by peeling, coring, and finely chopping the Granny Smith apples. Set aside these juicy morsels of sweetness for later incorporation into the cake batter.
2. Streusel Symphony
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped butter to create a crumbly streusel mixture. Set this delectable streusel aside to generously crown the Irish Apple Cake.
3. Batter Brilliance
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk to form a velvety cake batter.
4. Apple Affection
- Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the cake batter, ensuring an even distribution of these fruity gems. The apples will infuse the cake with a delightful burst of flavor and moisture.
5. Pan Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a cake pan with cooking spray. This ensures the Irish Apple Cake releases effortlessly after baking.
6. Batter Ballet
- Pour the luscious cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly for a uniform bake. The kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of apples and cinnamon.
7. Streusel Serenade
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the top of the cake batter, allowing it to create a golden and crumbly crust as it bakes. This streusel layer is the crowning glory of the Irish Apple Cake.
8. Oven Opera
- Place the cake pan into the preheated oven and let the Irish Apple Cake bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Glaze Garnish
- While the cake bakes, prepare the cinnamon glaze by combining granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of water in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture until it forms a luscious glaze.
10. Glaze Glamour
- Once the Irish Apple Cake emerges from the oven, drizzle the warm cinnamon glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the streusel and create a glossy finish.
11. Cool and Cut
- Allow the Irish Apple Cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, cut generous slices, revealing the layers of apples, cinnamon, and streusel.
Cook Notes
- Apple Selection: While Granny Smith apples lend a delightful tartness, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties for a nuanced flavor profile.
- Streusel Sensation: Don’t skimp on the streusel – its crumbly, buttery texture is what sets this Irish Apple Cake apart.
Variations
Nutty Nuances
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the streusel for an extra layer of crunch and nutty goodness.
Dried Fruit Delight
Incorporate chopped dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, into the cake batter for a sweet and chewy surprise.
Keto Versions
Flour Flair
Swap traditional flour for almond flour to create a keto-friendly Irish Apple Cake. This adjustment reduces the carb content while maintaining a moist texture.
Sweetener Swap
Replace granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia in both the cake batter and cinnamon glaze.
Low Carb Versions
Coconut Concoction
Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut into the streusel for added texture and flavor without compromising on the carb count.
Creamy Comfort
Serve each slice with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream for a low-carb indulgence that complements the cake’s richness.
Savor the Sweetness of Ireland
In conclusion, the Irish Apple Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a sweet celebration of Ireland’s culinary charm. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or as a delightful ending to a meal, this cake promises to satisfy your sweet cravings.
So, let the aroma of apples and cinnamon fill your kitchen, experiment with variations to suit your taste, and savor the sweetness of Ireland with each heavenly bite. Happy baking, and may your Irish Apple Cake moments be filled with joy and delicious indulgence!