Full Recipe in Details

A true Irish favourite, this traditional Kerry apple cake is simple, rustic, and full of flavour. Perfect served warm with a dollop of cream or custard, it’s ideal for autumn baking when apples are in season.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cooking Time: 45 mins
  • Serves: 8–10

Ingredients:

  • 225g plain flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 125g butter (cold, cut into cubes)
  • 125g caster sugar
  • 1 egg
  • A splash of milk (if needed)
  • 3–4 cooking apples, peeled and sliced
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Demerara sugar, for sprinkling

Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease a 20–23cm round cake tin.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
  • Rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  • Stir in the caster sugar.
  • Beat the egg and mix it into the dry ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk to bring the dough together.
  • Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the base of your prepared tin.
  • Layer the sliced apples on top and sprinkle with cinnamon, if using.
  • Crumble the remaining dough over the apples and press down lightly.
  • Sprinkle the top with demerara sugar.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
  • Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Chef’s Tip

Use a mix of sharp and sweet apples for extra depth of flavour – Bramley and Cox work well together. This cake keeps beautifully for a couple of days and is lovely reheated.

*Seasonal, simple, and full of Irish charm – this apple cake is a staple in our kitchen during the autumn months.*

Our Awards & Reviews

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BARBARA L, TripAdvisor

Claremorris, Ireland

Five-star rating icon in gold

Fun, informative & delicious experience

Spent 5 hours at this school on a rainy Irish day. I heard a very interesting history of Irish food then was treated to several hours of hands on training learning to make Dingle Pies, Brown Bread, Apple pie. I know quite a bit about food preparation but still learned different things and thoroughly enjoyed the class. We consumed all the delicioius food we made as a group (9 of us). Recipes of everything made were handed out at the end of class.

EILEEN D, TripAdvisor

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A perfect package

We went for a day of traditional Irish cooking. The only way it could have been better is if we’d been there for a Catch of the Day school to be able to take advantage of whatever came into Dingle Harbor. The site is perfect, comfortable, roomy, well-equipped. The lessons were thorough and delicious, and included a lovely, concise history of Irish cuisine. I hope to get back for that Catch of the Day version.

ARLETTE, TripAdvisor

Five-star rating icon in gold

Excellent class all around

There were 23 of us attending a multi course cooking adventure focusing on Irish traditional fare: a fish starter, followed by a flavorful beef stew and apple cake. Our group members learned great cooking tips from Mark Murphy: a very knowledgeable and passionate chef. What a great way to spend a rainy afternoon in Dingle! We will be back next year. Thank you Mark, MuireAnn and Caroline for your guidance, expertise and kindness.