Irish Tea Cake

    I make a Traditional Irish Soda Bread and there is the sweeter Irish Bread (Brack) that resembles American Fruit Cake.  This Irish Tea Cake is similar to a moist/dense butter cake. Almost like a pound cake with a lighter taste.  Serve sprinkle with powdered sugar for a nice side to tea or coffee.  Turn this into a terrific dessert by adding fresh fruit and fresh whipped cream *we like strawberries.  When making the batter - you will notice it is slightly thicker then what Americans are use to seeing.  This batter should be slightly thick but, adding a bit more cream/milk to the batter can help loosen it up to spread around your pan more easily before baking.  We prefer a thick batter that is almost similar to cooking dough! (yes, that thick)   In any case, give this a try - its truly easy to make and delicious!  ~Enjoy! Diane

Irish Tea Cake 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1  1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1  3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions:  

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated; stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the batter alternately with the milk. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of cream/milk Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack, then turn out onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar right before serving.

Recipe Adapted from: Let's Dish Recipes/Allrecipes 
​Photos by: Diane Baker for Canning and Cooking at Home