Irish Apple Sponge Cake – My Experience and Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of a homemade Irish apple sponge cake, especially on a chilly day in Ireland. I first came across this delightful dessert at a small café in Cork, and since then, I’ve been making it regularly in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat to enjoy with tea or a dessert to impress guests, this cake is a winner.

In this post, I’ll share:

• My personal experience with Irish apple sponge cake
• Ingredients and step-by-step instructions
• Tips to make it perfectly every time
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Some variations to try
• FAQs about Irish apple sponge cake

Let’s dive in!

What is Irish Apple Sponge Cake?

Irish apple sponge cake is a traditional dessert that’s both light and moist, with a soft sponge layer and juicy apples baked inside. It’s usually enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a dessert with custard or cream. The combination of tart apples and sweet sponge makes it irresistible.

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Why I Love This Cake

Here are a few reasons why I keep making this cake over and over again:

• Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
• Comforting taste: It’s like a warm hug in cake form.
• Great for all occasions: Perfect for family gatherings, tea time, or even as a gift.
• Easy to customize: You can adjust the sweetness and spice to suit your taste.

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Ingredients You’ll Need For Irish Apple Sponge Cake

When I first made this cake, I was surprised by how basic the ingredients were. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the sponge cake:

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) self-raising flour
• 150g (¾ cup) sugar
• 150g (⅔ cup) butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup milk

For the apple layer:

• 3-4 medium apples (I prefer Granny Smith or Bramley)
• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)

For topping (optional):

• A sprinkle of powdered sugar
• Whipped cream or custard for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s my tried-and-tested way to make Irish apple sponge cake at home.

1. Prepare the apples

• Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly.
• Toss the slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

2. Make the cake batter

• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually fold them into the wet ingredients.
• Add milk to loosen the batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.

3. Assemble the cake

• Grease and line a baking tin with parchment paper.
• Pour half of the cake batter into the tin and spread evenly.
• Arrange the apple slices on top, covering the batter completely.
• Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the top.

4. Bake the cake

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

5. Cooling and serving

• Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with cream or custard.

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Tips for the Perfect Irish Apple Sponge Cake

Here are a few things I’ve learned after making this cake several times:

• Choose the right apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the sponge dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Let it cool properly: This prevents the sponge from becoming too soggy from the apple juices.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are some mistakes I made initially and how you can avoid them:

Mistake	How to Fix It
Cake too dry	Add a bit more milk to the batter.
Apples sinking to the bottom	Lightly coat apples in flour before adding.
Uneven baking	Make sure to preheat the oven properly.
Batter too thick	Add a splash of milk to loosen it.

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Variations to Try

If you want to change things up, here are a few fun variations I’ve tried:

1. Caramel Apple Sponge Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking.
2. Nutty Apple Cake – Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunch.
3. Spiced Apple Cake – Add nutmeg and ginger for a warm, autumnal flavor.
4. Vegan Apple Cake – Replace eggs with applesauce and use plant-based milk.

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How to Store Irish Apple Sponge Cake

This cake stays fresh for a few days if stored correctly:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: It lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy this cake:

• With a dollop of freshly whipped cream
• Warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Paired with a hot cup of Irish tea
• Drizzled with homemade custard

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FAQs About Irish Apple Sponge Cake

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. You may need to add a bit more baking powder.

2. What apples work best for this cake?
Granny Smith and Bramley are great choices for their tart flavor and firm texture.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for the best results.

4. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.

5. Can I add raisins or other fruits?
Absolutely! Raisins, cranberries, or even pears can add an extra twist.

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Final Thoughts

Baking this Irish apple sponge cake has become one of my favorite kitchen traditions. It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that never fails to impress family and friends. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try.

Have you ever made Irish apple sponge cake before? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

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I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. Happy baking!