Irish Apple and Whiskey Cake with Caramel Drizzle
A moist and tender apple cake infused with warming spices and a hint of Irish whiskey, finished with a decadent caramel drizzle.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 125 g Unsalted butter(softened)
- 200 g Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 120 ml Milk
- 2 medium Apples(peeled, cored, and diced (e.g., Bramley or Granny Smith))
- For Caramel Drizzle:
- 50 g Butter
- 100 g Brown sugar
- 60 ml Heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Irish whiskey
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Grease and flour a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin.
💡 Tip: Ensures the cake doesn't stick. - 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
💡 Tip: Combining dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leavening and spices. - 3
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the Irish whiskey and vanilla extract.
💡 Tip: Adding eggs gradually prevents the mixture from curdling. - 5
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. - 6
Gently fold in the diced apples.
💡 Tip: Ensures apples are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much. - 7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread evenly.
💡 Tip: Smooth the top for an even bake. - 8
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
⏱️ 45-55 minutes - 9
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 10
While the cake cools, prepare the caramel drizzle: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 11
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 12
Remove from heat and stir in the Irish whiskey.
💡 Tip: Adding whiskey off the heat preserves its flavor. - 13
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
💡 Tip: Allow the drizzle to set slightly before slicing.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use firm, slightly tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- ✓The caramel sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated if needed.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Substitute some of the apples with pears.
- For a richer caramel, use a good quality Irish butter.