If you’re looking for a cake that feels like a warm hug from an Irish kitchen, this Irish Tea Cake Recipe is just the ticket. It’s wonderfully simple, bursting with buttery sweetness and a delicate crumb that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this cake offers that nostalgic charm of homemade goodness, dusted gently with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Irish Tea Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that moist, tender crumb and rich flavor. You’ll find that every element, from the creamy butter to the touch of vanilla, brings the cake to life with its unique character.
- ½ cup butter (softened): Gives the cake its rich, tender bite and buttery flavor.
- 1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a light and fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and moisture, helping the cake rise nicely.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting fragrance and depth of flavor.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure-builder that holds everything together.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Creates the light, airy texture by helping the cake rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ cup milk: Moisturizes the batter, making it tender and smooth.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A pretty finishing touch that adds a subtle sweetness on top.
How to Make Irish Tea Cake Recipe
Step 1: Get Prepped and Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent any sticking, which ensures your cake comes out perfectly smooth and intact. This simple preparation step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until light and fluffy. This process is key to the cake’s tender crumb, creating pockets of air that help the cake rise beautifully and feel soft on every bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This careful mixing incorporates air and ensures the eggs blend smoothly, enriching the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a gentle warmth and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead ensures a uniform rise and prevents any lumps in your batter, so your Irish Tea Cake comes out beautifully smooth.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This helps maintain a light batter texture without overmixing. Mix just until combined to keep the crumb tender and soft.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven, and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watching this transformation is the start of something delicious.
Step 7: Cooling and Finishing Touch
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for that classic look and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Serve Irish Tea Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is traditional and lovely, but you might also want to add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few fresh berries for color and a fresh contrast that brightens the palate.
Side Dishes
Serving this cake alongside a warming cup of Irish breakfast tea or coffee is a match made in heaven. You could also pair it with a small bowl of lemon curd or a drizzle of honey on the side to elevate the flavors even more.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, slice the cake into delicate wedges and arrange them on a vintage plate or wooden board. Adding a sprig of mint or edible flowers on the side can turn this humble cake into a delightful centerpiece for afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Irish Tea Cake Recipe keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure it’s wrapped well or in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing its lovely texture or flavor.
Reheating
Thaw the frozen cake at room temperature and warm slices slightly in the microwave or a low oven for just a few seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth that makes it feel like it was just made.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with oil in this Irish Tea Cake Recipe?
While butter offers rich flavor and texture, you can use oil as a substitute for a slightly lighter cake, but keep in mind the taste and crumb will be a bit different.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it has xanthan gum or a similar binder to mimic the texture.
Can I add flavors like lemon or cinnamon to the Irish Tea Cake Recipe?
Absolutely. A teaspoon of lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon can add lovely notes that complement the cake’s buttery base, giving it a fresh twist.
How should I tell if the cake is done without a toothpick?
Gently press the center of the cake; if it springs back without leaving an indentation, it’s likely done. The edges should also start pulling slightly away from the pan.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling works well. Just use a larger pan and increase the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness regularly to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Irish Tea Cake Recipe is a treasure in its simplicity and soul-warming flavor. Baking it is like sharing a little piece of Ireland right from your own kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it turns any ordinary tea time into a special celebration of comfort and joy.
Print
Irish Tea Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This classic Irish Tea Cake is a soft, buttery cake perfect for accompanying your afternoon tea. Moist and fluffy with a hint of vanilla, it’s easy to make and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly for consistent rising and flavor balance.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish and Serve: Once cool, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix batter once dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
- Use a toothpick test to check cake doneness to prevent overbaking.
- For an extra touch, serve with a side of clotted cream or preserves.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
