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The Irish Apple Cake: A historical dessert made modern

Apple Cake

Apple cake is a refined dessert that celebrates the inherent sweetness and tartness of apples. With many variations made across the world, what they all have in common is that apple cake evokes the comforting essence of home baking. This time-honored confection is characterised by its tender crumb, and rustic sugary top.

At Puratos, we are steadfast in our commitment to excellence as a leading supplier of ingredients and solutions for patisserie. With an unwavering focus on quality and innovation, we are the trusted partners of choice for businesses seeking to elevate their patisserie offerings. 

Join us as we explore the different variations that Irish Apple Cake inspires – from the classic recipe that conquered the world to creative, healthier and more sustainable re-inventions that answer the latest consumer trends.

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Irish Apple Cake Recipes

Classic Irish Apple Cake

Classic Irish Apple Cake

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Creative Irish Apple Cake

Creative Irish Apple Cake

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Healthy Irish Apple Cake

Healthy Irish Apple Cake

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Sustainable Irish Apple Cake

Sustainable Irish Apple Cake

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A SHORT HISTORY OF THE IRISH APPLE CAKE

Did you know that popular tradition says that St. Patrick planted apple trees in 5th-century Ireland? Apples have been cultivated in Ireland since ancient times, and have always been the most popular way to add sweetness to baking in Ireland.

The Irish apple cake, preferably made with Bramley apples, the most cultivated variety on the island, can trace its origins back to the 18th century. The original recipe for the cake was very simple. In these times, the typical Irish farmhouse rarely had access to luxury ingredients such as sugar or honey, so would take a typical bread recipe, and sweeten it with the use of fresh or dried fruits. There are even examples of the Irish Soda Bread being sweetened with apples!

So, the Irish Apple Cake was born. This would have been cooked in an open fire on a bastible, the most common cooking equipment in Irish kitchens from the 19th century. It's unique appearance and texture sets it apart from other cakes - a hybrid between a bread and a cake - with a rustic, crunchy, sugared top.

The introduction of full-fledged ovens in Irish homes in the 20th century, with better access to education and ingredients, the recipe and method of the Irish Apple Cake has evolved to include other ingredients such as raisins, spices, nuts, or oats, giving the cake it's distinct crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender inside.

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