Irish Tea Cake

Irish tea cake is a lightly sweetened vanilla cake that's perfect for serving with tea and coffee. Made with simple baking ingredients, this cake has a subtle flavor and a moist, tender texture.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 26

Resting Time 30

Total Time 1 6

Servings servings

Author Heather

Ingredients

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter room temperature
1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (120 g) whole milk
1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside (optionally, add a round piece of parchment to the bottom for easy removal later).
In a bowl, add butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer) beat until creamed and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until creamy and smooth.
In a separate bowl, add dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and remove clumps.
Add half of dry ingredients to butter mixture and gently mix until just incorporated. Add half of milk and gently mix to incorporate. Repeat once more to incorporate remaining dry ingredients and milk. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared 9-inch cake pan. Bake for about 26-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with crumbs, not batter. Or, gently press into the top of the cake with a finger. If cake springs back right away, it's done. If it leaves an indent, your cake needs more time.
Cool cake in pan on a wire cooling rack. Once cooled, turn out onto a serving plate and dust the top with confectioner's sugar just before serving.

Video

Notes

Serve with: Serve tea cake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
Storage: Cake is best served the same day, but leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
Freezing: Cake can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw on the countertop for 1-2 hours before serving.
More tips: Be sure to check out my 10 tips for baking cake, based on reader comments and questions!

Nutrition