Irish Apple Cake

This Traditional Irish Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. The tender, spiced cake is loaded with fresh apples and crowned with a crunchy oat streusel. Lightly dusted with confectioner’s sugar, it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, every bite bursts with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and tart apples. For an extra indulgent touch, pair this cake with a velvety custard sauce, a classic Irish accompaniment that elevates the dessert to a whole new level. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat with tea or as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening, this cake is bound to become a favorite. Its rustic charm and homey flavors make it perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Cake:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp whole milk or cream
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting

Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

Custard Sauce (Optional):

• 6 large egg yolks
• 6 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Prepare the Streusel – Mix flour, sugar, and oats in a bowl. Blend in butter using your fingers or a fork until crumbly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Make the Cake Batter – Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture, alternating with milk or cream.
5. Assemble the Cake – Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Layer the sliced apples on top, then sprinkle with the streusel topping.
6. Bake – Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before dusting with confectioner’s sugar.
7. Optional Custard Sauce – Heat milk over medium heat until it simmers. In a separate bowl, whisk yolks and sugar until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of hot milk to temper the eggs, then combine everything back into the saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until thickened. Strain and chill before serving with cake.

Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Kcal: 372 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

Why You Should Cook Ham in a Crock Pot

Many people traditionally bake ham in the oven, but using a slow cooker offers several key benefits:

1. Effortless Cooking – Simply place the ingredients in the crock pot, set the temperature, and let it cook. There’s no need to constantly check on it or worry about overcooking.

2. Juicy and Tender Meat – The slow cooking process allows the ham to remain moist, absorbing the flavors of the glaze rather than drying out in a hot oven.

3. Time-Saving & Convenient – You can prepare other side dishes, entertain guests, or simply relax while the ham cooks. Plus, there’s no need to monitor temperature fluctuations like you would with an oven.

4. Maximizes Flavor – Cooking the ham in a bath of brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice enhances its natural sweetness, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

5. Free Up Oven Space – During busy holiday cooking, the oven is often occupied with casseroles, roasted vegetables, or desserts. Using a crock pot keeps the oven free for other dishes.

The Magic of Maple, Brown Sugar, and Pineapple

This recipe shines because of its sweet and savory glaze. The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and pineapple juice adds depth to the ham’s natural smoky-salty flavor. Here’s why each ingredient plays an essential role:

• Maple Syrup – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze. Pure maple syrup works best for an authentic taste.
• Brown Sugar – Brings a deep molasses-like flavor and contributes to the signature sweet crust on the ham.
• Pineapple Juice – Provides a touch of acidity and tropical sweetness, which balances the rich flavors and helps tenderize the meat.

Together, these ingredients transform an ordinary ham into a holiday masterpiece with an irresistible glaze.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

A Crock Pot Maple Brown Sugar Ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

Classic Holiday Sides

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes balance out the sweetness of the ham.
• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a fresh contrast.
• Macaroni and Cheese – A rich and cheesy side that complements the ham’s glaze.
• Cornbread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.

Lighter, Healthier Sides

• Quinoa Salad – Adds a light and nutritious touch.
• Steamed Asparagus – Offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the ham.
• Mixed Green Salad – A simple vinaigrette salad balances the meal.

Leftover Ideas

Ham leftovers can be just as exciting as the main dish. Here are a few creative ways to use extra ham:

• Ham and Cheese Omelet – Dice the ham and add it to scrambled eggs or omelets for a hearty breakfast.
• Ham and Bean Soup – Use the ham bone to make a comforting soup.
• Ham and Cheese Sliders – Layer leftover ham on Hawaiian rolls with melted cheese for a delicious sandwich.
• Pasta with Ham – Toss diced ham into a creamy pasta dish for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham

To ensure the best results when making Crock Pot Maple Brown Sugar Ham, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose the Right Ham – A spiral-cut ham is ideal because it allows the glaze to seep into the slices, maximizing flavor. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and moist.
2. Use a Large Slow Cooker – A 7-quart crock pot works best for a 7 to 8-pound ham. If the lid doesn’t fit, cover it with foil instead.
3. Don’t Skip Basting – Basting the ham with its juices an hour before serving helps lock in moisture and enhances the caramelized glaze.
4. Let It Rest – After cooking, let the ham sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender texture.
5. Customize the Glaze – Add a touch of Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, or honey for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing ham recipe, this Crock Pot Maple Brown Sugar Ham is the perfect choice. With minimal prep, a hands-off cooking process, and a glaze that’s both sweet and savory, this dish delivers incredible flavor with ease.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or special occasion, this slow-cooked ham is guaranteed to impress your guests. Plus, the leftovers provide endless possibilities for delicious meals throughout the week.