Introduction
Traditional Irish desserts are all about warmth, simplicity, and familiar flavors that feel like home. From baked puddings to tender cakes and oat-based treats, these recipes are made for slow afternoons, family gatherings, and cozy celebrations. Below you’ll find classic Irish sweets that are easy to make and deeply comforting.
1. Irish Apple Cake
This classic cake balances tender apples with a lightly spiced crumb.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Rub butter into flour until crumbly. Stir in sugar.
- Whisk eggs and milk, then mix into batter.
- Fold in apples and spread into pan.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a spoon of lightly sweetened cream.
2. Bread and Butter Pudding
Soft, baked layers soaked in gentle custard make this a favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish.
- Butter bread slices and layer in dish.
- Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour over bread and rest 10 minutes.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
How to Serve It
Best enjoyed warm with a light dusting of sugar.
3. Irish Shortbread
Buttery and crisp, this is a timeless Irish bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in flour gently.
- Press into an 8-inch pan.
- Bake 40 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Barmbrack
A lightly sweet bread packed with dried fruit.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir in milk and egg.
- Fold in dried fruit.
- Bake in a loaf pan for 60 minutes.
5. Rice Pudding
Simple, creamy, and gently sweet.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup short-grain rice
- 4 cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine all ingredients in an ovenproof dish.
- Bake uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Queen of Puddings
A baked custard topped with light meringue.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 eggs, separated
- ½ cup fruit spread
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm milk and pour over breadcrumbs and sugar.
- Stir in egg yolks.
- Bake 30 minutes, add fruit spread, top with whipped whites.
- Bake 15 more minutes.
7. Oatmeal Biscuits
Hearty and lightly sweet with classic oat flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes.
8. Semolina Pudding
Smooth and comforting with a gentle texture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk
- ⅓ cup semolina
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Simmer milk, stir in semolina and sugar.
- Cook until thick, about 10 minutes.
9. Irish Tea Cake
Perfect with a warm cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup dried fruit
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
10. Custard Tart
Silky filling with a crisp pastry base.
Ingredients
- 1 pastry shell
- 2 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35 minutes.
11. Irish Cream Scones
Tender scones meant for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
12. Apple Crumble
Soft fruit with a crisp oat topping.
Ingredients
- 4 apples
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup butter
Instructions
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
13. Treacle Tart
Sweet and comforting with a soft center.
Ingredients
- 1 pastry shell
- ¾ cup golden syrup
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
14. Sponge Cake
Light, soft, and versatile.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
15. Oat Bars
Chewy and lightly sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
16. Jam Roly Poly
A rolled pudding baked until tender.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup fruit spread
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
17. Custard Slice
Smooth custard between pastry layers.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry
- 2 cups custard
Instructions
- Bake pastry first, assemble chilled.
18. Vanilla Pudding
Classic and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Cook on stovetop until thick.
19. Oat Pancakes
Hearty and filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Cook on medium heat until golden.
20. Apple Turnovers
Crisp outside, soft inside.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry
- 2 apples
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
21. Creamy Tapioca
Smooth with gentle texture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk
- ⅓ cup tapioca
Instructions
- Simmer until pearls soften.
22. Lemon Sponge
Bright yet gentle flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
23. Raisin Buns
Soft and lightly sweet.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
24. Traditional Custard
A simple classic to finish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Cook gently until thickened.
Conclusion
These traditional Irish desserts are all about comfort, familiar flavors, and simple techniques that never go out of style. Pick a favorite, save this list for later, and enjoy baking treats that feel warm, homemade, and meant to be shared.
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