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Traditional Irish Tea Cake

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Irish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Traditional Irish Tea Cake is a soft, lightly sweetened cake with a tender crumb. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert often enjoyed with tea. Unlike heavier fruit-based Irish cakes, this one is more like a sponge cake—perfect for layering with jam or simply dusting with powdered sugar.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

 

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a spread of jam for extra flavor.
  • This cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

 

  • For a citrusy twist, add lemon or orange zest to the batter.