Authentic Irish Tea Cake: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

Authentic irish tea cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort with every slice. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a slice of my childhood, a reminder of cozy afternoons spent with family around a crackling fire. The authentic irish tea cake recipe I’m about to share is a tribute to those cherished moments, a simple yet incredibly satisfying bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s create some magic in the kitchen!

Why You Will Love This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

This traditional tea cake is more than just delicious it’s incredibly easy to make. There’s no complicated frosting or tricky techniques, just a straightforward recipe that delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful cake every time. It’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for a quick treat or a last-minute gathering.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. The warmth of the spices, the richness of the butter, and the subtle sweetness all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a comforting, homey flavor that feels like a warm hug. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! You can even make it more flavorful by trying out Traditional Irish Apple Cake or Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake recipes.

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Ingredients Needed for This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Authentic Irish Tea Cake. I always recommend using the best quality ingredients – it really makes a difference in the final flavor!

• Dry Ingredients:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1 teaspoon mixed spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

• Wet Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened * 3/4 cup granulated sugar * 2 large eggs * 1 cup milk * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Ready to bake your authentic Irish Tea Cake? Follow these easy steps and enjoy the delicious results:

1. 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to remove.
2. 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and mixed spice. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even rising and flavor distribution.
3. 3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a tender cake.
4. 4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to prevent curdling.
5. 5. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
6. 6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. I sometimes swirl a bit of extra melted butter on top for added richness.
7. 7. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
8. 8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from collapsing and makes it easier to slice.

How to Serve This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

This traditional tea cake is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of your favorite jam. If you want something different, you can also try serving some Baileys Irish Cream Cookies with it.

Another delicious pairing is a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

How to Store This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Proper storage is key to keeping your irish tea cake fresh and moist.

Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil or place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Reheating: If you’ve refrigerated the cake, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low-temperature oven.

Tips to Make This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best Authentic Irish Tea Cake every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Spice it Up: If you don’t have mixed spice, you can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to add dried fruits like raisins or currants to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Helpful Notes for This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

• Type of Flour: While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you can also use cake flour for an even more tender crumb.
• Butter Substitute: If you don’t have butter, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Milk Alternative: Any type of milk will work in this recipe, including dairy-free options like almond or soy milk.
• Baking Pan: Ensure your baking pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper.

Variation of This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

• Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey version of the authentic Irish Tea Cake.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal.
• Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a richer flavor and added crunch.

Conclusion

There you have it – my take on Authentic Irish Tea Cake! Truly a recipe after my own heart. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake a cake that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. I hope you enjoy creating this authentic irish tea cake recipe and sharing it with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to share and let me know your thoughts on this recipe!

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