Irish Apple Cake with Custard (Printable)

Tender spiced apple cake paired with creamy warm custard—perfect for cozy moments and comforting flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Apple Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
07 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
08 - 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Bramley), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1/4 cup whole milk
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Warm Custard

12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 4 large egg yolks
14 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
15 - 2 teaspoons cornstarch
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
03 - Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in the sugar, then fold in the sliced apples to coat them well.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour over the apple mixture and gently mix until just combined.
06 - Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
07 - Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
08 - Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
09 - While the cake bakes, prepare the custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just simmering.
10 - In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
11 - Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
12 - Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (do not boil).
13 - Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
14 - To serve, slice the apple cake and pour warm custard over each piece.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The custard transforms a simple cake into something that feels like a warm hug on a rainy afternoon
  • It comes together with basic pantry staples but tastes like it came from a bakery
02 -
  • Cold butter is absolutely non-negotiable for the texture that makes this cake special
  • The custard can go from perfectly thickened to scrambled eggs in seconds, so watch it like a hawk
03 -
  • Rubbing the butter into the flour by hand instead of using a food processor creates better texture and helps you feel when it is ready
  • Lining your cake pan with parchment paper that hangs over the sides makes removing the cake effortless

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