Name: Irish Tea Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491269H18M17S
Total time: PT-491269H18M17S
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk (plus extra as needed); 1 cup white sugar; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Irish Tea Cake is a classic, simple cake that’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. Light, moist, and subtly sweet, it’s a comforting treat that’s easy to bake any day of the week.

A slice of light yellow cake with a soft, crumbly texture is dusted with a thick layer of white powdered sugar on top, sitting on a white plate. Next to the cake, there is a swirl of white whipped cream topped with a green mint leaf and fresh berries including a red raspberry, a dark blackberry, and two blue blueberries. A stainless steel fork rests beside the cake on the plate. The plate is on a blue and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting; optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. If the batter feels too stiff, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk to reach a smooth consistency.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack, then turn it out onto a serving plate.
Step 9: Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar just before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter before baking.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a slightly tangier flavor and tender crumb.
If you prefer, swap the confectioners’ sugar dusting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.

Storage

Store the Irish Tea Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

A single slice of soft, light beige cake with a slightly golden-brown crust sits on a white plate, topped with a thick layer of powdered sugar dusted evenly over the top. The texture of the cake looks fluffy and airy, with small, even holes inside. The plate is placed on a crumpled light gray cloth on a surface with a white marbled texture. In the background, there are more slices of the same cake on white plates, slightly blurred, with some cake crumbs scattered around. A small silver fork with crumbs rests near the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

Is it possible to freeze the Irish Tea Cake?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.