Complete Your Illinois St. Patrick’s Day with This Dessert

The focus on St. Patrick’s Day almost always focuses on beer -that it’s green...or more properly stout. A velvety smooth Guinness from the tap is a special treat, seek it. Food wise, most turn to corned beef and cabbage. You should also be able to find Irish soda bread, Shepherd’s pie or Colcannon.

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But what of dessert? Do you just go back for another pint Begorrah? Why not a traditional slab of Irish apple cake? Oh, now I have your attention. The recipe isn’t that complicated, but does require a finishing touch to make it authentically Irish. A creamy custard like topping.

The cake uses three thinly sliced tart Granny Smith apples with cinnamon and an oaty crumble top. The creamy custard topping drizzle is excellent warmed or cold from the fridge, either way.

This apple cake is far more tart and satisfying that sweet and decadent. Meaning that it pairs well with coffee, tea, or another pint of Guinness. As a dessert it’s right on time for St. Patrick’s Day, but here’s the trick (and it’s a very Irish thing too). This traditional Irish apple cake stands tall after a meal, but if you serve it up for breakfast it’ll work wonderfully. Brunch too.

Make a whole one for yourself, then try different beverages with it. Coffee, tea or a tall pint or stout. Trust me, it works. Slainte!