Description
This traditional Irish Tea Cake is a light, fluffy, and mildly sweet cake perfect for afternoon tea or any time you crave a simple homemade treat. Soft butter and sugar are creamed together, followed by eggs and vanilla for a rich flavor. The batter is then gently combined with dry ingredients and milk, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 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
For Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the 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 salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling the cake is done.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Once cooled, sift powdered sugar over the top before serving to add a delicate sweetness and an attractive finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to maintain a tender texture.
- You can add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of whiskey for a variation on flavor.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of Irish breakfast tea or coffee.
