Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug from Ireland, then you’re in for a treat with this Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s packed with tart Granny Smith apples and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that’s pure magic. Trust me, each bite offers the perfect balance of soft, tender cake, fruity brightness, and that irresistible crunch on top. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so it turns out perfectly every time—you’re going to want to bake this again and again!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is a wonderful blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that all bring their own magic to the party. I always recommend choosing good-quality butter and fresh Granny Smith apples for the best flavor and texture.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature for the cake and cold for the streusel ensures you get both fluffy batter and crumbly topping.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness without weighing down the cake or making it overly rich.
• Eggs: Add structure and moisture to the cake.
• Whole milk or cream: Adds richness to the batter and helps keep the cake tender.
• All purpose flour: The backbone of the cake and streusel, creating that perfect crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise without drying it out.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the tart apples beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—it’s a must, even in sweet recipes!
• Granny Smith apples: Their firm texture and tartness make the cake fresh and vibrant.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give the streusel an extra bit of rustic texture and nuttiness.
• Confectioner’s sugar: Perfect for a pretty dusting on top before serving.
• Egg yolks, sugar, milk, vanilla (for custard): Combine to create a rich, silky sauce that’s an optional but heavenly addition.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is how easily it adapts to your mood or pantry. I often play around with the spice and topping to keep things exciting!

• Variation: Sometimes I swap half the apples for pears in autumn for a sweeter, juicier cake—works wonderfully and adds a subtle flavor twist.
• Spice it up: If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter alongside the cinnamon for more warmth.
• Gluten-free option: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the cake and streusel. The texture changes slightly but still delicious.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and substitute eggs with flax “eggs” (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water per egg) to make a vegan version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly—this pan shape helps the cake bake evenly and releases easily. I always line the bottom with parchment paper for an extra safe release.

Step 2: Whip up the custard sauce (optional but heavenly)

This step is my favorite part to prep ahead. Warm the milk until it just simmers—don’t let it boil! Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Then slowly drizzle the warm milk into the egg mixture to temper it, whisking continuously so it doesn’t scramble. Pour it all back into the pan and cook gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient here—go slowly to avoid curdling. Once thickened, stir in vanilla, strain through a sieve, cover with plastic wrap right on the surface, and chill.

Step 3: Make the streusel topping

Cut the cold butter into small pieces and rub it into the flour, sugar, and oats with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you make the cake batter—this keeps it crumbly and prevents it from melting into the apples too soon.

Step 4: Make the cake batter

Cream together your room-temperature butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy—that’s important for a light cake. Beat in the eggs one by one, fully incorporating each before adding the next. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, then gently fold into the butter mixture along with the milk or cream. Don’t overmix—the batter should be smooth but with a little bounce.

Step 5: Assemble and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Arrange the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples over the batter—you don’t have to get fancy; just an even layer is perfect. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the apples. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes to an hour, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan—this helps it set and avoids crumbling. Just before serving, dust with confectioner’s sugar. Serve slightly warm with that silky custard sauce drizzled on top. The combination is pure Irish comfort.

How to Serve Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a simple dusting of confectioner’s sugar—it gives the cake that classic, pretty finish. If you want to take it up a notch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of good vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully. And, of course, that rich custard sauce is a must-have in my book!

Side Dishes

This cake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love pairing it with a cup of strong black tea, like Irish Breakfast tea, to cut through the richness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this cake on a vintage cake stand and garnish it with thin lemon zest strips or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. If you want to impress guests, cut individual slices and serve them in pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of custard and a cinnamon stick on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. I usually keep mine on the counter for up to two days—it remains moist and tasty—but refrigeration is fine if you want to keep it longer, up to 4 days.

Freezing

This Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent the streusel from burning. It revives that just-baked aroma and gets the cake soft without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Irish Apple Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts for cozy gatherings and quiet weekends alike. It’s straightforward to make but delivers bakery-quality results every time. I love how adaptable it is, so you can make it your own while still embracing that classic Irish charm. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with a cake that’s as comforting as a chat with an old friend. Happy baking!

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