Apple Cake with Irish Cream Glaze Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Cake with Irish Cream Glaze is a perfect blend of tender cake, tart apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. The sweet and creamy Irish cream glaze adds a delightful finishing touch, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 green apples
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for streusel)
- 7 tablespoons butter (for streusel)
- 1 cup powdered confectioners sugar
- 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
- 1 pinch salt (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick baking spray.
- Step 2: Prepare the cake batter by creaming together 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add in 2 large eggs, then mix in 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Finally, stir in 3 tablespoons milk and scrape down the sides as needed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Step 3: Peel, core, and slice the 2 green apples. Arrange the apple slices in an even layer over the cake batter.
- Step 4: For the streusel topping, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 7 tablespoons butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Step 5: Bake the cake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and toasted. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Run a knife around the edges before removing the springform ring.
- Step 6: To make the glaze, sift 1 cup powdered confectioners sugar into a medium bowl. Gradually add 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. Stir in a pinch of salt.
- Step 7: Transfer the glaze to a piping bag, slice the cake, and drizzle the Irish cream glaze over each piece as desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart green apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the streusel topping before baking.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Irish cream liqueur in the glaze with milk or cream combined with a splash of vanilla extract.
Storage
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive softness. The glaze is best added fresh before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Yes, you can use other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just ensure they hold their shape well during baking for the best texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Also, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Print
Apple Cake with Irish Cream Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful apple cake topped with a crunchy oat streusel and a smooth Irish cream glaze, perfect for a cozy dessert or teatime treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoon Milk
- 2 Green Apples, peeled, cored and sliced
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Oats
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 7 tablespoon Butter
Irish Cream Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Confectioners Sugar
- 3 tablespoon Irish Cream Liqueur
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Pan: Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick baking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Finally, add 3 tablespoons milk and mix until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
- Add Apples: Peel, core, and slice 2 green apples. Layer the apple slices evenly over the top of the batter in the pan.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a food processor, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 7 tablespoons butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden and toasted. Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges and remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Prepare Glaze: Sift 1 cup powdered confectioners sugar into a medium bowl. Gradually add 3 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach a smooth glaze consistency. Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine.
- Serve: Cut the cake into slices and drizzle the Irish cream glaze over the top as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The green apples add tartness and moisture, balancing the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
- Make sure the butter for the streusel is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less Irish cream liqueur.
- Use a springform pan to easily remove the cake after baking without damaging the edges.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Irish cream liqueur with milk or cream flavored with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Keywords: Apple Cake, Irish Cream, Streusel Topping, Autumn Dessert, Fall Cake, Baked Apple Cake, Creamy Glaze

