How To Make Tea Cake – Irish Dessert
In this delightful culinary journey, we will guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering dessert. Our recipe is for a heavenly dish that combines the rich, buttery goodness of a cake with the delicate sweetness of fresh berries. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat. We’ll start with a description of the dish, followed by the list of ingredients, and then provide detailed step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
To create this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (227 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the baking process step by step:
1. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the inside bottom and sides of a 9-inch round pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper cut to fit. Lightly grease the parchment paper. Finally, dust the inside bottom and sides of the pan with flour, then tap out any excess.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
2. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix for 20 seconds after each addition. Then, beat in the pure vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir the dry ingredients together with a whisk.
- Add half of the dry mixture to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until the flour is almost fully incorporated.
- Mix in the buttermilk, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Beat on low until just combined, taking care not to over mix. The batter will be thick.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
5. Cooling and Final Touches
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Just before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar and top it with fresh berries.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While it’s possible to use salted butter, using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, consider reducing the additional salt in the recipe slightly.
Q: Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe? A: Buttermilk contributes to the cake’s tender texture and tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Q: Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones for garnish? A: While fresh berries are ideal for garnish due to their vibrant color and texture, you can use frozen berries if that’s what you have on hand. Thaw and drain them before placing them on the cake.
Q: How can I store leftovers? A: To store any leftover cake, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion? A: Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day in advance. Follow the instructions, and store it in an airtight container. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries just before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to enjoy this cake? A: This cake is delightful when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creating a delectable dessert like this buttery cake with fresh berries is a delightful experience. With these step-by-step instructions and helpful FAQs, you’re well-equipped to impress your family and friends with your baking prowess. Enjoy the sweet moments and indulge in the flavors of this heavenly treat!
