Whip Up an Absolutely Irresistible Irish Tea Cake Today!
Well, howdy folks! Today I’m here to share my recipe for an Irish Tea Cake with Glaze that’ll have you lickin’ your chops! As a chef who specializes in British cuisine, I’ve had my fair share of traditional Irish desserts. And let me tell you, this cake is something special.
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s simple enough to make at home, yet fancy enough to impress your guests at a dinner party. The moist and tender Irish tea cake is made with dried currants and infused with the flavors of Irish breakfast tea. But the real star of the show is the lemon glaze that takes the cake to the next level.
Now, I know what some of y’all might be thinkin’, “I don’t like tea!” But trust me when I say that this cake will convert even the most stubborn non-tea drinkers. It’s not overpowering, but just adds a subtle flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
So why not try something new and switch up your usual dessert routine with a traditional Irish treat? Give my recipe for Irish Tea Cake with Glaze a go and let me know how it turns out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe for Irish Tea Cake with Glaze. It’s more than just a cake – it’s a taste of Ireland in every bite.
First of all, the combination of buttermilk and Irish breakfast tea makes for a tender and flavorful cake that pairs perfectly with a creamy glaze. The dried currants add a sweet burst of flavor that complements the subtle tea notes.
But what really sets this cake apart is the lemon glaze. Made with fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar, it adds a tangy brightness to the rich buttery cake layers. It’s like biting into a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to make! With just a few simple ingredients like white flour, baking powder, unsalted butter and granulated sugar, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time. Plus, you can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry – making it one versatile recipe.
Whether you’re looking for something to serve at a traditional Irish gathering or just want to impress your friends with your baking skills, this recipe is sure to please. So grab a cup of tea (or Irish breakfast tea if you’re feeling fancy), and get ready to indulge in one of the tastiest treats out there. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Now that we know a little bit about the history and the reasons why Irish Tea Cake with glaze is so popular, it is time to dive in to the ingredient list. This part of recipe is always most exciting for me, seeing how a few simple ingredients can transform into a delicious cake. So, let’s take a look.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of white flour
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup of strong brewed Irish tea, cooled
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of dried currants
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup of powdered sugar
- juice from one fresh lemon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons of softened butter
- 3 ounces of softened cream cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
It’s remarkable that such simple ingredients can create something as tender and moist as an Irish Tea Cake. I am particularly fond of dried currants added into the mix, for they lend some sweetness to the cake without overpowering it. The freshly brewed Irish tea is an essential ingredient for this recipe, as it adds a unique flavor profile to this classic dessert. Finally, do not forget about the glaze and cream cheese frosting which are the finishing touch to your baked masterpiece. These toppings make your cake even more irresistible and give it a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredient list, let’s get down to making this delicious Irish tea cake with glaze.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before starting, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. It is also essential that eggs are at room temperature. So, take them out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you begin the recipe.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Making the Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Adding Dry Ingredients
Next, add half of your dry ingredients mixture into your mixing bowl with butter and sugar combination. Use your electric mixer on low speed until just blended. Then add buttermilk, tea and vanilla extract and continue mixing on low speed until thoroughly combined.
Finally, mix in the remaining dry ingredients until it is completely combined with other ingredients in the bowl.
Fold in dried currants gently.
Baking the Cake
Grease a 9-inch cake pan with unsalted butter and pour batter into it. Spread it evenly in the pan. Bake this tender Irish tea cake with dried currants for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean.
⚠️ Do not open the oven door frequently to check on your cake while baking as it could lead to sunken cakes or creased crusts.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool down completely on a wire rack before adding glaze.
Adding Glaze
To make glaze mixture whisk together powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice until very smooth. Pour over cooled Irish tea cake as desired.
Once your lemon glazed tender Irish tea cake is ready, slice it to the size you like and serve it either on its own or with a cup of hot Irish breakfast tea.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Ahoy there, home bakers! If you’re looking to switch up the flavors in your Irish Tea Cake, there are many substitutions and variations that one could try. Here are a few ideas that I think will make your taste buds dance a jig!
Firstly, you can always swap out the dried currants for other dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. Sometimes, when I’m feeling adventurous, I also try adding some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a bit of crunch.
Secondly, if you’re looking to make an alcoholic version of the cake, try infusing the Irish Breakfast Tea with whiskey while it steeps, which adds a lovely Irish twist. You could also add Baileys or Irish Cream Liquor to the glaze for extra indulgence.
If you’re all about that lemon flavor, swap out the Irish breakfast tea with lemon tea instead and add more fresh lemon juice into the glaze for a tangier finish. In fact, using orange zest and juice would give it a similar citrus punch too- now that’s something worth pondering over.
For those who prefer a savory-sweet balance, why not try maple syrup instead of white sugar? You could also use brown sugar and blend some spices like cinnamon for added warmth.
Finally, if you want to make this recipe dairy-free, try swapping out buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk and substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese for icing. You can also use vegan butter in place of traditional butter that still delivers rich flavor and tenderness.
There are many ways you can get creative while making this recipe – so take what I’ve given you here and let your imagination run wild! Your homemade cake may just become your one true treasure at St. Patrick’s Day parties or maybe even as a classic tea-time snack.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Irish tea cake with glaze, I recommend making a pot of Irish breakfast tea for an authentic flavor experience. The strong and aromatic notes in the tea beautifully complement the tender sweetness of the cake.
This tea cake is perfect for afternoon tea parties, brunches, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet with a cuppa. Serve sliced tea cake on a platter or cake stand and dust some extra powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
For an elevated serving experience, try serving with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of these pairings contrasts perfectly with the subtle tartness in the glaze.
Alternatively, you can serve this tea cake alongside your favorite berry compote or preserve. The tartness of dried currants in the cake complements the sweetness of berries beautifully.
Overall, this Irish tea cake is versatile enough to be served as a dessert or as a centerpiece for your next tea party. Try pairing it with different beverages and accompaniments to find your perfect taste combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
In my experience, Irish Tea Cake with Glaze is best served fresh out of the oven. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare ahead of time!
To make ahead, store the baked and cooled cake covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and heat in the oven at 350°F for five to seven minutes. This will refresh the flavor and give your cake a warm, homey feel.
If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! Simply wrap the cake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, take out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for a few hours. This will help restore its moistness and tender texture.
Pro tip: The glaze can be made up to two days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated before serving if necessary by gently heating it up in a saucepan or microwave.
Irish Tea Cake with Glaze is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea party or casual get-together. With these storing and reheating tips, you’ll never have to compromise on freshness or taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients for the Irish Tea Cake with Glaze Recipe, it’s time to start thinking about how to make this tea cake turn out perfectly. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered to help you achieve delicious and satisfying results.
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Having all the ingredients at room temperature will help ensure that they combine well and result in tender and moist cake. Take your butter, cream cheese, and eggs out of the fridge at least an hour before starting. This allows them to come to room temperature gradually which will give you even texture throughout your cake.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
Baking is an exact science, so it’s crucial that you measure your ingredients accurately, especially white flour, baking powder, and salt. Too much or too little can ruin the texture and flavor of your tea cake.
3. Don’t Overmix Your Batter
Overmixing your batter is a common mistake when making quick bread like this tea cake. Overmixing causes the gluten in the flour to develop too much which results in a tougher texture. Mix until just combined and stop as soon as you see no more dry ingredients.
4. Add Lemon Glaze When Cake is Warm
Adding lemon glaze while the cake is warm will allow it to fully absorb into the cake itself. Letting the cake cool down too much can hinder the absorption process resulting in less flavor impact.
5. Store Cake Properly
Lastly, it’s important to store your Irish Tea Cake properly to ensure its freshness for as long as possible. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a perfect Irish Tea Cake with Glaze Recipe every time. Now grab yourself a cup of Irish Breakfast Tea and let’s get started!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking to make a delicious and traditional dessert, then this Irish Tea Cake recipe is perfect for you. Not only is it simple to make with basic ingredients, but it’s also versatile enough to be customized to suit your preferences. Plus, the lemon glaze adds an extra burst of flavor that’ll leave you wanting more.
Whether you serve this cake at a special occasion or enjoy a slice on your own, trust me when I say that it’s bound to become a favorite. So go ahead and try this Glazed Irish Tea Cake recipe, and let me know how it turns out!
Irish Tea Cake with Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, at room temp-not margarine
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temp
- 1 3/4 cups white flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried currant
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place currants and 1/4 cup of flour in a small bowl and mix well to cover currants. Set aside.
- Grease and dust a 9 inch loaf pan and cut out a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom, line and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl on medium speed cream butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Blend in eggs, then blend in cream cheese.
- Mix or sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add a small amount of flour into butter mixture and blend well, then a small amount of buttermilk, then flour and repeat until both are well incorporated.
- Stir in the currants and remaining flour, mix well and spoon into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into the middle comes out clean.
- Remove and let stand in the pan for 10 minutes.
- The top will crack.
- Free up sides with a knife and invert onto a cooling rack.
- While still warm but not hot glaze cake and allow glaze to drip down sides.
- Cool to room temp and serve.
- Irish Whiskey laced whipped cream would be a nice touch.
- For the glaze just whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.