Irish Tea Cake
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would whip up her famous Irish Tea Cake every Sunday. This delightful treat is not just a cake; it’s a warm hug in dessert form. Perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or to impress guests at your next gathering, this Irish Tea Cake is simple yet satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious cake that pairs beautifully with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Irish Tea Cake
This Irish Tea Cake is a game-changer for anyone who loves baking but feels pressed for time. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 15 minutes of prep. The taste? A perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, with afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Irish Tea Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success. For this Irish Tea Cake, you’ll need a few pantry staples that come together to create a delightful treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing structure and a light texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely golden crust.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent gives the cake its rise, making it fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for an extra lift and helps with browning.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the cake.
- Raisins or currants (optional): These little gems add a burst of sweetness and texture, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a plain cake.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): A light sprinkle on top gives your cake a beautiful finish.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding the zest of a lemon or orange for a citrusy twist. You can also swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. The exact quantities for these ingredients are listed at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Irish Tea Cake
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—baking! Follow these simple steps to create your very own Irish Tea Cake. Each step is designed to guide you through the process, ensuring a delicious outcome.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your 9-inch round cake pan. Grease it with butter or cooking spray, and dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake release easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is important because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your Irish Tea Cake rise beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Next, add the softened unsalted butter to your dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to break down the butter into small pieces, which will create a tender crumb in your cake. It should feel a bit like sand between your fingers—this is the perfect consistency!
Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your cake, making it rich and delicious. Don’t skip the vanilla; it’s the secret ingredient that elevates the taste!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy. If you’re adding raisins or currants, fold them in at this stage.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a lovely touch and makes your Irish Tea Cake look even more inviting!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cake set properly.
- Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan: A standard choice; you can also use a square pan if that’s what you have.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing; a fork works in a pinch.
- Spatula: Perfect for smoothing the batter and scraping the bowl.
- Toothpick: For testing doneness; a skewer or knife can substitute.
Variations
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or orange for a refreshing twist that brightens the flavor.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and extra richness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Irish Tea Cake with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or Irish breakfast tea for a classic experience.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Add fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
- For a festive touch, garnish with mint leaves or edible flowers.
FAQs about Irish Tea Cake
What makes Irish Tea Cake different from other cakes?
Irish Tea Cake is unique due to its simplicity and texture. It’s a light, buttery cake that’s perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. Unlike richer cakes, it’s not overly sweet, making it a delightful treat for any time of day.
Can I make Irish Tea Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stores well. You can bake it a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh-baked look.
Is it possible to make Irish Tea Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.
What can I serve with Irish Tea Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving it with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. Fresh berries or whipped cream on the side can elevate the experience!
How long does Irish Tea Cake last?
When stored in an airtight container, your Irish Tea Cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to a month. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Baking this Irish Tea Cake is more than just a culinary task; it’s a journey back to simpler times filled with warmth and comfort. Each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and buttery richness, making it a perfect companion for your afternoon tea or coffee. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment alone, this cake brings joy to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of freshly baked goodness fill your home. Trust me, this Irish Tea Cake will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Irish Tea Cake Recipe: A Delightful Treat to Bake!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Irish Tea Cake, perfect for serving with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If using, fold in the raisins or currants.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
