Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irish Tea Cake offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and butteriness, resulting in a moist and tender crumb. Its straightforward preparation and minimal ingredients make it an accessible and rewarding bake for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (or more if needed)
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. If the batter is too stiff, add a bit more milk to reach a smooth consistency.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a serving plate and let it cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or currants into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter to introduce a refreshing citrus note.
- Nuts: Fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Gently reheat individual slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting the dry ingredients helps to aerate them and ensures an even distribution of the baking powder and salt, leading to a lighter cake texture.
3. Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk.
4. How can I make the cake more moist?
Adding a tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream to the batter can enhance the moisture and tenderness of the cake.
5. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the batter in a larger pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake may require more time to bake through.
6. Can I use a different type of sugar?
While white sugar is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Keep in mind that brown sugar may affect the cake’s texture and color.
7. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.
8. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
9. Can I frost the cake?
While the cake is delicious on its own, you can frost it with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting for added sweetness and decoration.
10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it properly, and it will remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
The Irish Tea Cake is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with delightful flavor. Its versatility allows for various adaptations, making it a perfect addition to any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a standalone treat, this cake is sure to please.
Print
Irish Tea Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irish Tea Cake is a buttery, sweet dessert that’s perfect for tea time or a light snack. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it delivers a moist, tender crumb every time. A true Irish classic that can be customized with fruits, nuts, or citrus zest for a unique twist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (or more if needed)
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round pan.
- Cream together white sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. Add more milk if needed to achieve smooth consistency.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- You can add dried fruits, nuts, or citrus zest for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
