Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 28 reviews

If you have a hankering for a truly comforting dessert that brings a bit of Irish charm to your table, you are going to adore this Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Sauce Recipe. It combines tender, cinnamon-spiced cake layered with tart Granny Smith apples and topped with a buttery oat streusel, all drizzled in a luscious vanilla pudding sauce that elevates every bite. This recipe has a wonderful balance of crisp apples, crumbly topping, and silky sauce that makes it perfect for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or any time you want to feel a little festive and warm inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. On the left, a tall cylindrical container of Quaker Oats with a red and blue label stands prominently. Next to it are three bright green apples stacked vertically. To the right of the apples, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour. Below the flour, a set of smaller items includes a small glass bowl of white granulated sugar, a glass filled with milk, and a small glass bowl of powdered sugar. A container of ground cinnamon and two white eggs are placed near the bottom center. On the right side, there is a box of Jell-O vanilla pudding mix in yellow packaging, a carton of heavy whipping cream with a red and white design, a small red canister of baking powder, a box of pure vanilla extract in mostly white packaging, and a stick of butter with yellow wrapping at the bottom. All items are spaced closely in a rectangular layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe. Every element plays a special role in creating the perfect texture and flavor—from the tartness of the apples to the creamy vanilla sauce that beautifully complements the cake.

  • All-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups + 2/3 cup): Provides structure for both the cake and the streusel topping.
  • Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Gives a warm, aromatic spice that pairs so well with apple.
  • Salted butter (½ cup softened + 6 Tablespoons melted): Adds richness and moisture, critical for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake and streusel to balance the tang of the apples.
  • Large eggs (2): Bind the batter together and make it tender.
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
  • Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Keeps the batter moist and luscious.
  • Granny Smith apples (1 pound): Their tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds fresh, natural flavor.
  • Rolled oats (1/3 cup): Adds rustic texture to the streusel topping.
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces): The secret to that smooth, creamy sauce that makes this dessert unforgettable.
  • Whole milk (3 cups): Whisked into the vanilla pudding to create the sauce.
  • Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting adds an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.

How to Make Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray. This will help ensure your cake comes out cleanly later. Then, stir together 1 1/3 cups flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl. This mix will be your base dry ingredients, blending that familiar apple and cinnamon warmth.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream ½ cup softened salted butter with 1/2 cup sugar for at least two minutes. This step is where the magic starts, as the air whipped into the butter and sugar will give your cake a light crumb. Once smooth, mix in eggs and vanilla until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the creamy mix and stir until just combined. Pour in heavy cream and fold everything together until the batter is smooth, silky, and just waiting for those apples.

Step 4: Layer the Apples

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then layer thinly sliced Granny Smith apples on top in a tidy fashion. Using tart green apples gives your cake a refreshing bite that balances the sweetness below and the streusel above.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine flour, sugar, oats, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until large crumbs form. This streusel will create that delightful crunchy topping, so don’t be shy about letting it clump a bit for texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the streusel evenly on top of the apples, then bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before removing the springform ring.

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Sauce

While the cake bakes or cools, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and a pinch of cinnamon for about two minutes. Microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warm and smooth. This sauce is the luscious finishing touch that lifts this cake beyond ordinary.

How to Serve Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Sauce Recipe

The image shows a crumb cake with a thick, uneven golden-brown crumb layer on top. The cake has a slightly darker edge and a lighter golden brown layer underneath the crumb topping, visible in the second part of the image where the cake sits on a cooling rack. The cake is round and about two to three layers thick, with the crumb layer on top being chunky and crumbly, covering the entire surface. The first part of the image shows the cake still in a black metal springform pan on a wire rack, while the second part shows the cake removed from the pan and placed directly on the wire rack, all on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a pretty, snowy appearance that instantly makes your dessert look bakery-worthy. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an inviting aroma and a colorful touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy side complements the warm cake and sauce to create a full sensory experience that everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices warm with a drizzle of the vanilla pudding sauce cascading over the edges. For a fun twist, plate it with fresh apple slices or a handful of toasted nuts for added crunch and visual appeal that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep moist and fresh for up to three days at room temperature, making it perfect for preparing ahead of your celebration.

Freezing

You can freeze the Irish Apple Cake before baking or after it’s cooled. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and a layer of foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving for that freshly baked taste.

Reheating

To bring back the homemade warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire cake in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Pour the vanilla pudding sauce warm, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes as cozy as a hug.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, but you can swap in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn if you prefer a sweeter apple. Just make sure they hold their shape well during baking.

Is instant vanilla pudding essential?

While instant vanilla pudding mix is key for that rich, creamy sauce without extra cooking, you can make a homemade pudding if you prefer. Just remember the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free to keep the cake light and fluffy.

How long does the vanilla pudding sauce last?

The sauce is best served fresh and warm but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring often to maintain smoothness.

Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and deepen the flavor profile of the streusel. Just fold them in with the oats before adding melted butter.

Final Thoughts

This Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Sauce Recipe is one of those treasures that feels like a warm, welcoming embrace in dessert form. It’s approachable, incredibly delicious, and perfect for making memories with friends or family around the table. Once you try it, this cake is going to become one of your favorites to bake and share again and again.

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Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Sauce Recipe

Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 28 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
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Description

Irish Apple Cake is a classic, comforting dessert featuring a moist cake base layered with tart Granny Smith apples and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-oat streusel. This recipe includes a rich vanilla pudding sauce, adding a creamy finish to every bite. Perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon treats, it’s baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Apple Layer

  • 1 pound Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored, thinly sliced

Streusel Topping

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 Tablespoons salted butter, melted

Vanilla Pudding Sauce

  • 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding (not Cook and Serve)
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and set it aside to ensure the cake does not stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat ½ cup salted butter (softened) and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together for at least 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  6. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
  7. Spread Batter in Pan: Pour and spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared springform pan.
  8. Layer Apples: Arrange the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples evenly over the top of the batter in overlapping layers.
  9. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup rolled oats, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  10. Add Melted Butter to Streusel: Pour 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter into the dry ingredients. Use a fork to combine and form large crumbly clusters ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
  11. Top the Apples with Streusel: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the layered apples, breaking up large chunks slightly with your hands to cover the entire surface.
  12. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when ready.
  13. Cool the Cake: Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing the outer ring of the springform pan.
  14. Prepare Vanilla Pudding Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together a 3.4 ounce box of instant vanilla pudding, 3 cups whole milk, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for 2 minutes until smooth.
  15. Warm the Sauce: Microwave the pudding mixture on high for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for an additional minute until warmed through.
  16. Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve each portion with a generous pour of the warm vanilla pudding sauce.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake and topping.
  • Ensure the butter for the batter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
  • Instant vanilla pudding improves the sauce’s texture and flavor but avoid the Cook and Serve type.
  • If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular 9-inch round cake pan can be used but greasing well is essential.
  • The cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Optional powdered sugar adds a nice visual and extra sweetness but is not necessary.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

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