Irish Tea Cake
Irish Tea Cake is a moist, flavorful loaf filled with dried currants and infused with lemon and vanilla, perfect for teatime or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (slow).
- Grease two 9x5x3 inch loaf pans. Place 2/3 cup flour in a medium bowl.
- Add currants and toss well to coat; set aside.
- Sift remaining flour and baking powder onto waxed paper.
- In a large bowl of electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Alternately add sifted dry ingredients and milk in 3 or 4 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing just enough to combine.
- Fold in coated currants and remaining flour.
- Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 to 25 minutes, or until loaves are lightly browned, springy to the touch, and begin to pull away from the sides.
- Cool cakes in pans on a rack for 15 minutes.
- Carefully loosen cakes around edges with a thin spatula.
- Turn out onto racks and cool right side up for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dry ingredients. If you don’t have currants, raisins or sultanas can be used as substitutes. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light texture, and avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. For a touch of zest, add grated lemon peel along with the lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Irish Tea Cake with a dollop of clotted cream or butter for an indulgent treat. Pair it with a cup of strong black tea for a classic experience. This cake also complements a fresh fruit salad or a serving of Low Calorie Sherbet for a refreshing contrast. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or an afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish Tea Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Tea Cake contains roughly 1797 calories, with 20g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), calcium (69% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1104mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the Irish Tea Cake a day or two in advance. Just ensure it's completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when served. Store it as directed to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, keeping in mind that the flavor will vary slightly. For a healthier alternative, you might experiment with applesauce, using about 1 cup for every 2 1/2 sticks of butter.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it is lightly browned on top, springs back when lightly pressed, and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).