Description
This traditional Irish Apple Cake is a moist, spiced dessert bursting with tender apple pieces and warm spices. Perfect for teatime or as a comforting dessert, its rich flavor is enhanced by buttermilk and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar baking dish.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples (and raisins or walnuts if using).
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Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
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Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, enjoy with a drizzle of custard or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- The cake tastes best when the apples are slightly tender but still add texture.
- You can prepare the apple mixture a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg