Irish Tea Cake 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.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 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.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack, then turn it out onto a serving plate.
9. 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

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.

Irish Tea Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

This classic Irish Tea Cake is a soft, moist, and subtly sweet cake perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, it offers a delicate crumb and tender texture. Lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, this cake is easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection in a round pan, making it an ideal treat for afternoon tea or dessert.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Cake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (plus extra as needed)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional

• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s hot enough when the batter is ready.
2. Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cake texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
6. Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine; if the batter seems too stiff, add an additional tablespoon or two of milk to reach a smooth consistency.
7. Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared cake pan to promote even baking.
8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a serving plate. Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar just before serving to add a delicate sweetness and attractive finish.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened (not melted) for optimal creaming with sugar.
• Adding a little extra milk can help if the batter is too thick.
• Use a toothpick test to check cake doneness to avoid overbaking.
• Confectioners’ sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice presentation.
• Serving with a hot cup of tea makes this traditional cake even more delightful.

Keywords: Irish Tea Cake, Traditional Irish Cake, Tea Time Cake, Simple Cake Recipe, Butter Cake, Afternoon Tea