Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. A 9-inch springform pan also works. Make sure to grease the sides well and line the bottom with parchment.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside.
Beat the butter and sugar until they're light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla.
½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
3 medium apples
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly touched.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While the cake cools, make the custard sauce.
Make the Custard Sauce
Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until steaming (do not boil). In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch (if using) until smooth.
2 cups whole milk, 4 large egg yolks, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Slowly add ½ cup of warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking. Return the mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and strain through a mesh strainer if desired. Serve warm over the apple cake.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Notes
The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of cake with custard sauce. Actual calories will vary.
You can use a 9-inch round cake pan to make this cake (this is what I did in the video). I recommend lining it with parchment paper and leave some hanging over the edge for easy removal. The easier way is to use a springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment and grease the sides really well.
Nutrition Facts
Irish Apple Cake Recipe with Custard Sauce
Serving Size
1 slice
Amount per Serving
Calories
442
% Daily Value*
Fat
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
10
g
50
%
Trans Fat
0.5
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Cholesterol
178
mg
59
%
Sodium
329
mg
14
%
Potassium
251
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
63
g
21
%
Fiber
3
g
12
%
Sugar
35
g
39
%
Protein
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
706
IU
14
%
Vitamin C
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
156
mg
16
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.