Authentic Irish Tea Cake: The Easiest Recipe Ever!

authentic irish tea cake, need I say more? This classic bake is a heartwarming treat that brings a little piece of Ireland to your kitchen. Get ready, because today we’re diving into a recipe that will transport you to a cozy Irish cottage with every slice of this delightful authentic irish tea cake.

My grandmother, bless her heart, used to bake this every Sunday. The aroma alone was enough to make the week’s troubles disappear. Trust me; this isn’t just a cake it’s a hug in dessert form, perfect with a cup of tea (naturally!). Let’s bring that same comforting experience into your home with this classic recipe. 

Why You Will Love This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

This isn’t your average cake recipe; it’s a tradition passed down through generations, bringing warmth and flavor to any occasion. You’ll absolutely adore how easy this authentic irish tea cake recipe is to make, even if you’re a beginner baker. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor that’s my kind of baking!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, tender crumb, perfectly balanced sweetness, and comforting buttery notes. This irish tea cake is not overly sweet like some of those cakes, making it the perfect accompaniment to your daily tea. Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again.

What truly sets it apart is its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to customize with different fruits, spices, or even a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon tea or a family gathering, this traditional tea cake fits every occasion. You might even find yourself baking it just because.

Ingredients Needed for This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful authentic irish tea cake:

• Dry Ingredients:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup granulated sugar

• Wet Ingredients:

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 large egg
* ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional Mix-Ins:

* ½ cup raisins or currants (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained)
* Zest of 1 lemon or orange

How to Make This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Let’s get baking! This authentic irish tea cake recipe is easier than you think, and the results are simply divine. Remember to preheat that oven!

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 8-inch round cake pan. Alternatively, you can use a square pan for a slightly different presentation.

1. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is nicely combined to avoid pockets of baking powder.

1. 3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake, so don’t rush it.

1. 4. Gradually add the buttermilk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to keep the cake tender.

1. 5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing; a few streaks of flour are okay.

1. 6. If using raisins or currants and lemon/orange zest, gently fold them into the batter. These additions add wonderful flavor and texture, elevating your Irish tea cake.

1. 7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.

1. 8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overbaking.

1. 9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; it’s worth the wait!

Once cooled, slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade authentic irish tea cake.

How to Serve This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Serving this irish tea cake is entirely up to you. It’s delightful on its own, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up!

Serve warm or at room temperature with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also makes a beautiful presentation.

Pair it with a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a truly comforting experience. Consider a classic Irish breakfast tea or a robust coffee blend.

For a touch of elegance, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. You might also enjoy it split in half and filled with whipped cream and fresh berries.

How to Store This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Proper storage is essential to keep your irish tea cake as fresh as possible. Here are a few tips to help:

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cake may become slightly denser in the fridge.

To freeze, wrap the cool cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving. Reheating briefly in the oven or microwave can also help to restore its texture.

Tips to Make This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Want to elevate your authentic irish tea cake game? Here are a few tips and tricks:

Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification and a smoother batter. This ensures a more even bake.

Soaking the raisins or currants in hot water plumps them up, making them juicier in the cake, but, instead, you can soak it in whiskey or you favorite liquor.

Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Experiment with different mix-ins like chopped nuts, cranberries, or chocolate chips for a personalized twist.

Helpful Notes for This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

Here are some extra notes to ensure your authentic irish tea cake turns out perfectly:

Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise. Old leavening agents can lead to a flat cake.

Using a springform pan makes it easy to remove the cake without damaging it. Ensure the pan is well greased and floured.

If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly in the oven, tent it with foil. This will prevent it from burning while the inside finishes baking.

For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the recipe. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan and cook until it turns golden brown and fragrant, then cool slightly before using.

Variation of This authentic irish tea cake Recipe

There are countless ways to put your spin on this delightful traditional tea cake. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

*Spice Cake Variation:* Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.

*Citrus Twist:* Enhance the citrus flavor by adding the zest of both lemon and orange and substituting the vanilla extract with citrus extract.

*Dried Fruit Medley:* Use a mix of dried cranberries, apricots, and cherries instead of just raisins or currants for a more complex flavor profile.

*Glazed Delight:* After the cake has cooled, drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other delicious additions, such as Baileys Irish Cream Cookies, or Traditional Irish Apple Cake for unforgettable flavor combinations!
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration! And consider trying another one of my favorite cakes, Traditional Irish Lemon Pudding Cake .

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this authentic irish tea cake recipe. It’s a simple but delicious journey into the heart of Irish baking. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. What are you waiting for? grab your apron, preheat your oven, and bake yourself a slice of happiness.

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