Delightful Irish Cream Tea Cake with Zesty Lemon Glaze
Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of this Delightful Irish Cream Tea Cake, perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to your dinner. This moist, aromatic cake is infused with dried currants, enhancing its flavor profile while the creamy texture makes each bite melt in your mouth. Topped with a bright and zesty lemon glaze, this cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of Irish Cream laced coffee, creating a delightful harmony of tastes that will transport you to the lush landscapes of Ireland. With minimal prep time and a baking time that allows you to brew your coffee, this dessert is an ideal choice for both casual gatherings and festive celebrations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (at room temperature, not margarine)
white sugar
1 cup
pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 teaspoons
eggs
2
cream cheese
3 ounces (at room temperature)
white flour
1 3/4 cups
baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
dried currants
1 cup
buttermilk
2/3 cup
powdered sugar
1 cup (sifted)
fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine the dried currants with 1/4 cup of flour, tossing them to coat. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the cake.
3
Prepare a 9-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly and dusting it with flour. Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the pan for easy removal later.
4
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, blend in the cream cheese until smoothly incorporated.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a bit of flour, mix it in, then add some buttermilk, and repeat until all the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7
Gently fold in the floured currants along with any remaining flour, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid over-baking.
10
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. The top may crack slightly, which is normal.
11
Use a knife to gently free the sides of the cake from the pan, then invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
12
While the cake is still warm (but not hot), prepare the glaze by whisking together the sifted powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
13
Drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
14
Let the cake cool to room temperature before slicing and serving. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a dollop of Irish whiskey-laced whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Delightful Irish Cream Tea Cake?
The Delightful Irish Cream Tea Cake is a rich, buttery, and moist cake infused with dried currants and topped with a zesty lemon glaze, perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert.
What gives this tea cake its creamy texture?
The inclusion of cream cheese and softened butter in the batter creates a smooth, creamy texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
How long does it take to bake the cake?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What type of pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9-inch loaf pan is required for this recipe.
How do I prevent the dried currants from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the dried currants with 1/4 cup of flour before adding them to the batter to help them distribute evenly throughout the cake.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of butter at room temperature and explicitly states not to use margarine.
What should the oven temperature be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease the pan lightly, dust it with flour, and place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom for easy removal.
What ingredients are used for the lemon glaze?
The glaze is made by whisking together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar and 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
When should I apply the lemon glaze?
Apply the glaze while the cake is still warm, but not hot, allowing it to drip down the sides.
What is a good beverage pairing for this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of Irish Cream laced coffee.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is it normal for the top of the cake to crack?
Yes, it is normal for the top of the cake to crack slightly during the baking process.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Let the cake sit in the loaf pan for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven before inverting it onto a cooling rack.
What extra touch can I add when serving?
For an extra indulgent touch, serve the cake with a dollop of Irish whiskey-laced whipped cream.
How many eggs are required?
This recipe requires 2 eggs.
What is the function of buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk is used to provide moisture and react with the baking powder to help the cake rise, alternating with the dry ingredients during mixing.
Should the cream cheese be cold or at room temperature?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly into the mixture.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How do I incorporate the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually incorporate the whisked dry mixture (flour, baking powder, salt) into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
How much flour is needed in total?
The recipe uses a total of 1 3/4 cups of white flour.
Is this cake suitable for festive celebrations?
Yes, its rich flavor profile and beautiful glazed finish make it ideal for both casual gatherings and festive celebrations.
Can I use bottled lemon juice for the glaze?
The recipe recommends fresh lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
Should I use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer on medium speed is recommended for creaming the butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
What kind of sugar is used in the batter?
The batter uses 1 cup of white sugar.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder.
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The recipe is described as having minimal prep time.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, the powdered sugar should be sifted to ensure a smooth glaze without lumps.
Should I slice the cake while it is hot?
No, you should let the cake cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this recipe.