Irish apple cake

Okay, I'll admit it. I've been holding out on you with this post. I actually made this amazing Irish apple cake months ago for St. Patrick's Day, and I am only just now getting around to posting it. It's a shame that it has had to wait so long! Still, though, I think this is a perfect time to post it. I love simple sweet cakes during the summer, and it's also the perfect dessert for early fall, when I usually have apples coming out of my ears.

There's something so wonderful and delicious about a lightly sweetened cake full of fresh fruit and topped with just a dusting of powdered sugar. I also love that all the ingredients are simple and easy, which means you probably have everything you need to make this cake right now!

Now, if you're making it for a special occasion, you can totally dress it up like I did with warm delicious caramel sauce and pile on the freshly whipped cream. But it's also delicious (and probably a little more calorie-friendly) just as it is. Either way, it's sure to be a hit!

Irish Apple Cake

2 cups flour
1/3 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup sugar
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, cut into pieces
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

for topping (optional):
powdered sugar
freshly whipped cream
salted caramel sauce

Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a pie dish or 9 inch cake pan with cooking spray and set asideIn a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two knives, until the pieces are no larger than pea sized. Mix the egg and milk together, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Pat half of the dough into the prepared baking dish. Toss the chopped apples with the sugar and cinnamon and spread over the dough. Pat the remaining dough over the top of the apples (it's okay if it is imperfect, just do your best!). Bake 40 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. Remove and let cool slightly before topping.

adapted from Irish Traditional Cooking