Delightful Irish Tea Cake Recipe – Easy & Moist
With warm hospitality and a comforting embrace, the Irish people have a way of making one feel right at home. From their world-renowned tea to traditional hearty fare, Ireland knows how to create food that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother. And what better way to experience the taste of Ireland than with an Irish Tea Cake?
This simple yet delicious Irish Tea Cake recipe has been passed down for generations, and is sure to become a staple in your own kitchen. With light moist texture and a slightly sweet taste, this cake is the perfect complement to a cup of black tea or as part of an indulgent breakfast. Its buttery goodness will transport you straight to the rolling green hills of Ireland.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I know that this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in some of the best fare that Ireland has to offer with this delicious Irish Tea Cake recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I can guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this delicious Irish tea cake recipe. Why you ask?
First of all, this cake is incredibly easy to make! With simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, you can whip up a light and moist cake in no time. All you have to do is mix the ingredients together, prepare your baking pan, and let the oven work its magic.
But what sets this tea cake apart is the use of Irish tea. The rich, malty flavor of black tea adds depth and complexity to the cake’s sweetness. This traditional ingredient used in most Irish desserts offers a uniquely delicious taste which will be irresistible for tea lovers.
Not only does the tea add an incredible flavor to the cake but the aroma alone while it’s being baked will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort. The combination of sweet and bitter notes from the tea is blended perfectly resulting in a well-rounded taste.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can switch up some ingredients or try out new flavors depending on what you prefer. If you’re up for experimentation, there’s plenty of room for customization without losing its originality – explore various fruit and spice additions such as mixed spice or hooligan rum.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a classic British dessert recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor – this Irish tea cake recipe is perfect for you. Its unique blend of warm flavors makes it perfect for any occasion or as a delightful addition to your breakfast spread!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this traditional Irish tea cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp (10g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 1 cup (230g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp (5mL) vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180mL) milk
- 2 Irish tea bags
Variations and Substitution Options
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, feel free to use self-rising flour instead. You can also swap out the white sugar for brown sugar to give this cake a slightly richer flavor. In addition, you can add in some mixed spice or even a splash of Hooligan rum for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Pro-tip: Make sure your butter is softened before blending it with the sugar to create that perfect smooth texture for your mixture.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get into the fun part – the recipe itself. Follow these steps carefully and soon you’ll be enjoying a moist and delicious Irish Tea Cake that your family and friends will adore.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and dust lightly with flour.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients mixture in step 4.
- Pour in milk into the same bowl as step 5 and mix well to combine.
- Add in the rest of the dry ingredients mixture from step 2 and mix until just combined, do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into prepared pan evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for around 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
- Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack before sprinkling it with confectioners’ sugar.
Serve your delicious Irish tea cake warm or cold with a cup of freshly brewed Irish tea or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Enjoy this traditional Irish cake recipe that has been passed down for generations or add your touch of creativity and mix up the flavors with various cake toppings. Whatever you choose, your friends and family will love this classic Irish treat.
Substitutions and Variations
The Irish Tea Cake Recipe is quite customizable, which means that it can be adapted to suit a wide range of dietary requirements and preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can experiment with to create your own unique variation of the recipe.
For starters, instead of using all-purpose flour, you can opt for self-raising flour. This will result in a slightly lighter and fluffier cake. You can also use gluten-free flour if you are gluten intolerant.
If you want to make the cake more flavorful, you can add some mixed spice or cinnamon to the batter. This will give it a warm and comforting taste.
In terms of sweeteners, you can replace white sugar with brown sugar or honey to add some depth to the flavor. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol if you want to reduce your sugar intake.
If you want to give your Irish Tea Cake a boozy twist, try adding a shot of hooligan rum or black tea to the batter. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
To make the cake more festive, consider adding toasted pecans or mixed dried fruit to the batter. This will give it a delightfully chewy texture and make it resemble traditional Irish desserts like fruit cake or tea brack.
Finally, you can experiment with different topping options like buttercream or confectioners’ sugar to complement your Irish Tea Cake’s flavor profile. So go ahead and let your creativity run wild – this cake recipe is truly versatile!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked the delicious Irish Tea Cake, it’s time to serve and pair it. The light, moist texture and delicate flavor of this traditional Irish dessert make it a perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of black tea or an Irish breakfast.
When serving, dust the cake lightly with confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch. This will not only add an extra level of sweetness but also provide a beautiful presentation.
For those who prefer creamier toppings, try smearing buttercream on top or whipped cream next to your slice of Irish tea cake. Both are excellent accompaniments that heighten the rich flavor of the cake.
To make the dish even more interesting, consider pairing it with hooligan rum — a classic Irish blend with a smooth and spiced character that complements the fruit loaf perfectly. If alcohol isn’t your thing, a glass of milk or water will do to wash down your treat.
If you want to take things up a notch, sprinkle some toasted pecans on top before serving. The nutty flavor adds depth and crunch to the already satisfying cake. Another great idea is to enjoy your cake alongside a slice of traditional Irish Barmbrack or delia smith pound cake — it makes for an unforgettable dessert experience.
The versatility of this delicious Irish Tea Cake is endless. You can serve it as an afternoon snack or appoint it as a star player at any party as it goes well with almost any event menu. Regardless of how you serve it, one thing is sure — everyone will love its wonderful aroma and taste!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this Irish tea cake ahead of time can be a lifesaver when entertaining or serving it for breakfast. You can make the cake mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Another option is to bake the cake, cool it completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you plan on saving leftovers, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container for up to three days. The cake tastes best when consumed within three days of baking, starting to get stale by day four. To reheat the cake, place it in a microwave-safe dish and warm it over medium power for 15 seconds increments until it is heated through.
If you’re looking for ways to add more flavor after reheating, I recommend topping the Irish tea cake with buttercream frosting or dusting it with confectioner’s sugar. Alternatively, I love serving this cake toasted with pecans and mixed spice or a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy this delicious Irish tea cake recipe as a make-ahead breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s sure to keep your taste buds and your stomach happy!
Tips for Perfect Results
It is important to follow the recipe closely when making an Irish Tea Cake, but there are some additional tips that I have learned through my years of experience that can ensure perfect results every time.
Firstly, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. This will allow them to mix together seamlessly, creating a light and moist cake texture.
When beating the butter and sugar together, don’t rush the process. Beat them thoroughly for at least 5 minutes until they are light and fluffy.
Next, when adding the eggs, make sure to add them one at a time and beat them in between each addition. This helps to create a smooth mixture and prevent any curdling from happening.
When measuring out the flour, be sure to use the spoon and level method. This involves using a spoon to put the flour into the measuring cup and then leveling it off with a knife. This will result in a more accurate measurement and prevent any excess flour from being added.
When mixing in the flour, use a gentle hand and mix only until just combined. Over-mixing can result in a tough cake.
Lastly, when baking the Irish Tea Cake, keep an eye on it in the oven. Every oven is different, so adjust your baking time accordingly. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
By following these tips, you are guaranteed to end up with a delicious Irish Tea Cake every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Irish Tea Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that everyone deserves to indulge in. This cake is suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a fancy dinner party. You don’t want to miss out on its deliciousness! This traditional recipe is easy to follow and requires only simple ingredients that are readily available in your pantry. I can guarantee you will be smitten by the light moist texture and the subtle sweetness of this delightful Irish tea cake.
However, if you’re looking for a more creative twist, feel free to experiment with some of my substitutions and variations options. You can add some Hooligan rum or mixed spice to give it a new dimension of spicy or use black tea for that authentic Irish breakfast feel.
In sum, whether you’re craving a dessert for your afternoon tea or searching for the perfect dessert to impress your guests. The Irish Tea Cake recipe is here for you! Trust me; you will never go wrong with this one.
So why wait? Grab your apron and start baking today! Don’t forget to share this delicious cake with your loved ones because there’s nothing like indulging in a yummy slice of cake while enjoying each other’s company.
Irish Tea Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated; stir in the vanilla.
- Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the batter alternately with the milk. If the batter is too stiff, a tablespoon or two of milk may be added.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack, then turn out onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar right before serving.
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.