Buttery soft Irish apple cake.

The blend of spiced apples and tender, buttery cake creates a warm, comforting dessert. The slight crunch from the sugar topping adds an extra layer of texture. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of custard sauce. Cut the cake into slices and place them on dessert plates. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in 2 of the sliced apples and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Add 1 reserved sliced apple on top center. Fold slightly into top batter. Sprinkle the tablespoon of sugar on top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.