Irish Tea Cake Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make – Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Perfect for tea time – Light and slightly sweet, making it ideal with tea or coffee.
  • Customizable – Can be topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Great for any occasion – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Butter
  • White sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Milk

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until well combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

  • Add citrus zest – A touch of lemon or orange zest adds brightness to the flavor.
  • Incorporate spices – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth.
  • Top with fresh fruit – Serve with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
  • Drizzle with glaze – A light lemon or vanilla glaze can enhance the sweetness.
  • Use almond extract – Swap out some of the vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap it well to prevent drying out.
  • Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.

FAQs

How do I make sure my tea cake stays moist?

Be sure not to overbake the cake, and store it in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.

What can I serve with Irish tea cake?

It pairs well with tea, coffee, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture.

Is this cake similar to pound cake?

It has a similar texture to pound cake but is lighter and less dense.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Can I use a different cake pan size?

Yes, but baking times may vary. A smaller pan will yield a thicker cake, requiring a longer bake time.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pan well, or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.

Conclusion

Irish Tea Cake is a classic, simple dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or as a light dessert, its soft texture and delicate sweetness make it a must-try recipe. Try different variations and toppings to make it your own!

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Irish Tea Cake

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Irish Tea Cake is a light and delicately sweet cake, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. With its soft, moist texture and slightly crisp top, this traditional Irish dessert is simple yet delightful. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit, this cake is an easy-to-make treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • White sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Milk

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2️⃣ In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until combined.
6️⃣ Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9️⃣ Serve plain or dust with powdered sugar.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish

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