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Classic Irish Tea Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

This Classic Irish Tea Cake is a moist and tender cake infused with a subtle hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Lightly sweetened and perfectly balanced, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of Irish tea, making it an ideal treat for any time of the day or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spice.
  5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter which can make the cake dense.
  6. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without any wet batter.
  8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart.
  9. Dust and Serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar to add a gentle sweetness and decorative touch before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if desired, but baking times may vary slightly.
  • Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) for the best texture in your cake.
  • To enhance the flavor, you could add a tablespoon of Irish whiskey to the batter, though it is optional.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This cake pairs excellently with a cup of traditional Irish tea, such as Barry’s or Lyons.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/classic-irish-tea-cake-recipe/