Irish Bliss Caramel Apple Cake
Dive into a slice of tradition with this Irish Bliss Caramel Apple Cake. Rich in flavor and brimming with the warmth of homemade goodness, this dessert features a moist apple cinnamon cake topped with a luscious caramel-pecan layer, all drizzled with a light Irish whiskey-infused whipped cream. Perfect for family gatherings or festive holidays, this cake not only celebrates Irish heritage but also delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of sophistication that will leave your guests craving more. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a grand finale to a dinner party, this cake is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, room temperature)
heavy whipping cream
1 (8 ounce) carton (divided)
chopped pecans
1/3 cup (toasted, if desired)
apple cinnamon quick bread mix
1 package
apple
1 (chopped and peeled)
water
3/4 cup
Irish whiskey
5 tablespoons (divided)
oil
1/4 cup (vegetable or canola)
egg
1 (large)
powdered sugar
2 tablespoons
cinnamon
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream.
3
Cook the mixture, stirring gently, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is bubbly; then remove from heat.
4
Carefully stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are well-coated with the caramel mixture.
5
Pour the caramel-pecan mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch square pan, spreading it out evenly. Set aside.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple cinnamon quick bread mix, chopped apple, water, Irish whiskey, oil, and egg.
7
Stir the ingredients together by hand for about 50-75 strokes, or until the mix is just moistened; be careful not to overmix.
8
Gently spoon the cake batter over the caramel-pecan mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 1 minute before inverting it onto a serving plate.
11
In a separate small bowl, beat the remaining heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
12
Add the powdered sugar and remaining Irish whiskey to the whipped cream, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
13
Spread the whipped cream mixture generously over the top of the cooled cake.
14
Sprinkle the top lightly with cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
15
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irish Bliss Caramel Apple Cake?
It is a moist apple cinnamon cake featuring a caramel-pecan bottom layer and a topping of Irish whiskey-infused whipped cream.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size cake pan is recommended for this recipe?
You can use either a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch square pan.
How do you make the caramel-pecan layer?
Combine brown sugar, butter, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until bubbly, then stir in chopped pecans.
What type of cake mix is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one package of apple cinnamon quick bread mix.
How should the apple be prepared?
The apple should be peeled and chopped before being added to the batter.
How much water is needed for the cake batter?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of water.
How much Irish whiskey is used in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of Irish whiskey is used, divided between the cake batter and the whipped cream topping.
What type of oil is best for the batter?
Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for the cake batter.
How many strokes should I use when mixing the batter?
Stir the ingredients by hand for approximately 50 to 75 strokes until just moistened.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
The recipe advises against overmixing to ensure the cake remains moist and has the proper texture.
How long does the Irish Bliss Caramel Apple Cake bake?
The cake should bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
When should I remove the cake from the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 1 minute before inverting it onto a serving plate.
How do I make the Irish whiskey whipped cream topping?
Beat the remaining heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add powdered sugar and whiskey and beat until stiff peaks form.
What should I sprinkle on top of the finished cake?
Sprinkle the top lightly with cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
How should leftovers be stored?
Any leftover cake should be stored in the refrigerator.
How much brown sugar is required for the caramel layer?
You will need 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted, room temperature butter.
Is the heavy whipping cream used all at once?
No, it is divided: 2 tablespoons are used in the caramel layer, and the remainder of the 8-ounce carton is used for the topping.
Should the pecans be toasted?
The recipe suggests using toasted pecans if desired for better flavor.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
One large egg is needed for the cake batter.
How much powdered sugar is used in the whipped cream?
Two tablespoons of powdered sugar are used.
Can I serve this cake for a holiday?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for festive holidays and family gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of the cake?
It features a balance of apple, cinnamon, sweet caramel, and a sophisticated hint of Irish whiskey.
What should the caramel mixture look like before adding pecans?
The butter should be fully melted, and the mixture should be bubbly.
Is this a traditional Irish recipe?
It is inspired by Irish heritage and tradition, specifically through the inclusion of Irish whiskey.
How do you apply the batter to the pan?
Gently spoon the batter over the caramel-pecan mixture to cover it completely.
What is a good beverage to pair with this cake?
The cake is excellently enjoyed with a cup of tea.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
While the recipe calls for pecans, walnuts would likely be a suitable substitute.