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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

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

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/irish-apple-cake-with-vanilla-pudding-sauce-recipe/