Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, moist texture that’s perfect for tea time
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly
- A subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea
- Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacks
- Can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Serve and enjoy with a hot cup of tea!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Spices: For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Fruit Addition: Incorporate dried fruit like raisins, currants, or sultanas into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a bit of crunch.
- Glaze Alternatives: Drizzle a lemon glaze or honey for a different finishing touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: If desired, you can warm up individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can, but you may need to omit the baking powder and salt, as self-rising flour already contains them.
Can I freeze this tea cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this cake without a glaze?
Yes, you can enjoy the cake without the glaze or use a dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer. The texture may change slightly but it will still be delicious.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any milk substitute. Just ensure it’s unsweetened if you’re using a non-dairy milk.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a slightly different flavor, giving the cake a richer taste.
How can I make this cake more moist?
Ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the cake to be dry. Also, make sure to use room temperature ingredients.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes, you can top the cake with a light cream cheese frosting or buttercream if you prefer a richer topping.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a square or rectangular pan, but baking times may vary depending on the size and depth of the pan.
Conclusion
Irish Tea Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that perfectly complements a hot cup of tea. Its light, fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and easy preparation make it a perfect treat for any time of day. Whether served with afternoon tea or at a casual gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
Irish Tea Cake Recipe
This Irish Tea Cake is a light, moist dessert with a subtle sweetness, perfect for pairing with a cup of tea. With simple ingredients, this cake is easy to make and topped with a sweet glaze. It’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or casual gatherings, and can be made ahead for easy entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Stir in vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve with a cup of tea.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporate dried fruit like raisins or currants for extra flavor.
- Lemon Twist: For a citrusy kick, add lemon zest to the batter or use a lemon glaze.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Serve at room temperature or microwave slices for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm
