Irish Kerry Cake: The EASIEST Recipe (St. Patrick’s Day Ready!)

Irish Kerry Cake is a simple yet utterly delightful dessert that reminds us of the cozy kitchens we grew up in. Imagine the smell of apples and warm spices filling the air – that’s the magic of this cake. Simple to make and simply divine to eat, this Irish Kerry Cake is perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re craving a bit of traditional Irish baking.

This recipe is a little different as it contains no butter. So what makes it so good? The apples, the spices, and the custard! Think of it as Nonna’s little twist on a classic, blending the best of Irish and Italian baking traditions. We’ve adapted it over the years, adding our own touch of *amore* to make it extra special. So, gather ’round, and let’s get baking!

Why You Will Love This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

This Irish apple cake with custard sauce is pure comfort food. It’s quick to throw together, bursting with apple flavor, and wonderfully moist. Even Lucia, who usually insists on lemon zest in *everything*, agrees that this cake is perfect just as it is.

What makes this particular recipe so special? Well, besides the secret ingredient (a whole lotta love!), it’s the simplicity. This cake is a classic Irish baking recipe which requires no fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just good, wholesome ingredients and a desire to create something delicious.

We especially love serving this cake warm, with a generous dollop of homemade custard. It’s a taste of Ireland that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those extra apples you might have lying around. Think of it as a hug in cake form! If you’re looking for something sweet and decadent, give our Vegan Red Velvet Cake a try!

Ingredients Needed for This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Custard Sauce:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

Before we get started, remember to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position! And don’t forget to Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes! This traditional Irish apple cake recipe is definitely worth saving.

1. 1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. 2. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
3. 3. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gentle is key.
4. 4. Add the apples: Fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. 5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch cake pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer more green desserts, try our Green Velvet Cake recipe.
6. 6. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. 7. Make the custard sauce: While the cake is baking, prepare the custard sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
8. 8. Cook the custard: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and begins to thicken.
9. 9. Temper the egg yolks: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks.
10. 10. Combine and finish: Pour the tempered egg yolks into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, or until the custard is thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
11. 11. Enjoy! Slice the cake and serve warm with a generous serving of the custard sauce. We think you’ll love this classic Irish baking recipe.

How to Serve This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

Serve this Irish Kerry Cake warm, drizzled generously with the homemade custard sauce. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon adds a touch of elegance.

For a cozy vibe, pair it with a cup of Irish tea or a strong cup of coffee. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is also delightful, especially on a warm day. We also love serving it with fruit; sliced strawberries or raspberries are a lovely addition, if you’re feeling extra indulgent! If you’re thinking about other Irish classics, why not try our Traditional Irish Soda Bread?

How to Store This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover Irish Kerry Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard sauce should also be refrigerated separately.
Freezing: While the cake can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the moisture content of the apples. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Reheat the custard sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.

Tips to Make This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

• Apple Choice: Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp adds a touch of sweetness and moisture.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined. It’s better to have a few lumps than to overwork it.
• Custard Consistency: If your custard is too thin, whisk in a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water (1 teaspoon cornstarch: 1 tablespoon water) and cook for another minute or two. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Helpful Notes for This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice would also be delicious in this cake.
• Apple Preparation: Make sure to peel and core the apples thoroughly. Cut them into uniform pieces so that they cook evenly. Also, be sure to dry your apples really well before tossing them in, to prevent a soggy cake!
• Pan Prep: Greasing and flouring the cake pan helps prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance.
• Oven Temperature: Each oven is different. Check the cake often as it bakes. If the top is getting too brown, tent it loosely with foil.

Variation of This Irish Kerry Cake Recipe

• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake instead of or in addition to the custard sauce for a more decadent treat.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Spiced Apples: Sautee the apples with a bit of butter, brown sugar, and spices before adding them to the batter for a more caramelized apple flavor. Our Irish Kerry cake recipe is very versatile.

Conclusion

This Irish Kerry Cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of simple pleasures, and a way to share love and warmth with those around you. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this classic Irish Kerry Cake with your family and friends. And maybe next time you try this cake, you can try it with pears instead of apples!

Happy baking, everyone! Let us know in the comments how your creation turns out. Ciao!

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