Description
Irish Tea Cake is a classic, tender cake perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea. This simple and delightful cake features a moist crumb, subtle vanilla flavor, and a dusting of powdered sugar on top, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day.
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 and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured cake pan. Spread it evenly 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.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve with powdered sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the cake lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet finish.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix until ingredients are just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- If you like, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients to add a warm spice flavor typical of some traditional Irish cakes.
- The cake is best served fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or Irish breakfast tea.
