This delightful Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce comes together in about 45 minutes and is baked to perfection in a single pan, making it a easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the apples or throw in some nuts or raisins to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those last bits of fruit lingering around! Trust me, this cake is the ultimate cozy dessert that wraps you in sweetness, like a warm hug on a chilly evening!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Here’s How It’s Done
1. Preheat your oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. You want to make sure that beautiful cake doesn’t stick!
2. Whisk the dry ingredients : In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Yes, really whisk! This helps to evenly distribute everything and gets a little air in there!
3. Cream the butter and sugar : In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. It should look like a cloud! Seriously, the smells wafting through your kitchen will be so divine.
4. Beat in the eggs & vanilla : Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Then mix in that fragrant vanilla extract. It’s when things start to get exciting!
5. Combine the dry and wet ingredients : Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Don’t over-mix! You want to stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour. It’ll be nice and thick.
6. Fold in the goodies : Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and raisins if you’re using them. Oh my gosh, the colors! The smell! You’re going to love this step.
7. Bake the cake : Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want to smell that sweet goodness filling your home!
8. Cool and serve : Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan. Trust me, the waiting is worth it! Serve it warm with creamy custard sauce drizzled over the top.

Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting and sweet without too much fuss a true comfort food classic! I’m a real sucker for recipes that check all the boxes: quick, and delicious. The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand apples, pears, or even those last bits of dried fruit lurking in the pantry. You’ll be amazed at how adaptable this cake is!
If you loved this Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce, be sure to check out my Banana Oatmeal Pancakes, my Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, or my Easy Mango Cake!
Tips for Success
Comfort Food
The secret to a delicious Irish Apple Cake lies in the combination of flavors and textures! It’s loaded with tons of flavor from the apples and warm spices that just scream comfort food.
Customizable
Feel free to customize this cake based on what you’ve got handy! You could add in a handful of nuts, or swap the apples for whatever fruit you have in your kitchen.
Budget-Friendly
This is an excellent, budget-friendly dessert because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make this cake on a Sunday to enjoy throughout the week! It keeps well in the fridge for those busy weeknight dinners or as a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
How to Serve This Cake
Serve slices of this Irish Apple Cake warm with a generous drizzle of custard sauce on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be fabulous because, why not?
Storage
This cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. You’ll want to enjoy it warm, but it’s still tasty cold!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm. You could also warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully! Slice it into portions, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag, perfect for when that sweet craving hits!
So there you have it! This Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce is not just a recipe, but an experience. Your home will smell like a cozy bakery, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait, get to baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!

Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of custard sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.