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
Scale
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.
