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Deliciously Soft Apple and Cinnamon Traybake
If you are looking for a comforting, absolutely savage bake that is as easy to make as it is to eat, this Apple and Cinnamon Traybake from Irish Baker Abroad is a proper winner. Light, fluffy and generously packed with apples, it finishes with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that makes it hard to stop at one slice.
Chris’s approach keeps things simple and unfussy, while still delivering a cake that feels homely, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Check out the full process in the video below:
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Choosing the Right Apples
The secret to this traybake is balance. You want apples with a little bite to them so they cut through the sweetness of the sponge. In the video, Chris uses German Holstein or Cox apples, but you can easily swap these for Bramley, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady apples.
The key rule is simple: avoid apples that are overly sweet. A touch of sharpness makes the finished cake far more interesting and gives that classic apple-and-cinnamon contrast everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Metric | Imperial / Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (peeled and cubed) | Enough to generously cover the top of the cake | Enough to generously cover the top of the cake |
| Plain flour | 200g | 1 2/3 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | 2 teaspoons |
| Caster sugar (super-fine) | 200g | 1 cup |
| Salted butter | 100g | 7 tablespoons |
| Eggs (medium to large) | 3 | 3 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 100ml | 3.5 fl oz / 7 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar (for topping) | 4 tablespoons | 4 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon (for topping) | 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon |
| Nutmeg (optional) | Pinch | Pinch |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and cube your apples. Set them aside while you make the batter. - Sift the dry ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder together into a bowl to keep the sponge light. - Cream the base
In a separate bowl, cream together the caster sugar and salted butter until pale and fluffy. - Incorporate the eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Fold and mix
Gently fold in the flour mixture and the milk, alternating a little of each, until you have a smooth batter. - Assemble the traybake
Pour the batter into a lined tin (approximately 20 × 30 cm or 27.5 × 22.5 cm). Spread evenly and scatter the apples generously over the top. - Add the finishing touch
Mix the sugar and cinnamon (and nutmeg, if using) and sprinkle evenly over the apples. - Bake
Bake in a conventional oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes. If using a fan-assisted oven, reduce the temperature to 160°C.
How to Serve
Once slightly cooled, lift the traybake from the tin and slice generously. This cake is absolutely beautiful served warm with a blob of freshly whipped cream or a proper helping of custard.
Soft, moist, and full of flavour, it’s the kind of bake that works just as well for a weekend treat as it does for feeding a crowd. Give it a go, and if you try it, let the Irish Baker Abroad know how you get on.
How to Store Apple and Cinnamon Traybake
Store your traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but bring it back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavour.
Can You Freeze Apple and Cinnamon Traybake?
Yes, you can freeze this traybake. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving for a freshly baked taste.
Common Troubleshooting: Why Is My Traybake Too Dense?
If your traybake turns out dense rather than light and fluffy, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be gentle when folding in the flour mixture and ensure you sift the flour and baking powder to aerate the dry ingredients. Also, check your baking powder is fresh and active.
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
For more delicious Irish baking inspiration, check out this Irish soda bread recipe or try Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. If you love scones, the Irish Soda Scones recipe is a must-try. For a fruity twist, explore Homemade Irish Soda Bread with Raisins. And if you want to dive deeper into Irish comfort food, don’t miss our guide to 8 Irish comfort foods that taste like home.
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