Traditional Irish Tea Cakes: A Delicious, Simple Delight
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (excluding overnight fruit soaking)
Description: Discover the ease of crafting these delectable Irish Tea Cakes that bring a touch of traditional charm to any occasion. The key to their irresistible flavor lies in soaking the fruit overnight, allowing it to absorb the rich tea infusion. This recipe yields two scrumptious cakes, so don’t even think about halving it—trust me, you’ll want to keep both for yourself! One can be enjoyed immediately, while the other is perfect for freezing and savoring at a later date. Inspired by the renowned Irish food writer Delia Smith’s beloved Irish Tea Bread, this recipe is simplicity and indulgence rolled into one. 🍰✨
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Fruit, European, Oven, Beginner Cook, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients:
- 225g raisins
- 110g currants
- 350g sultanas
- 110g demerara sugar
- 1 tea bag
- 225g chopped walnuts
- 275ml boiling water
- 1 egg
- 110ml milk
- 450g self-raising flour
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fruit: On the eve of your baking adventure, place all the raisins, currants, sultanas, and mixed peel into a large mixing bowl, creating a base for the rich, fruity flavor that will develop overnight. 🥄
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Brew the Tea: In a medium bowl or large heatproof jug, measure out 275ml of boiling water. Gently submerge the tea bag into the hot water, allowing it to steep and create a robust brew. Once the tea is strong and aromatic, stir in the 110g of demerara sugar until it’s fully dissolved, infusing the tea with sweetness. 🍵
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Soak the Fruit: Pour the sweetened tea over the prepared fruit. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit overnight, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully. 🌙
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Preheat the Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 170°C (325°F). Prepare two 450g (1lb) loaf tins by greasing them thoroughly and lining the base and sides with baking parchment or silicone paper to ensure a smooth release of the cakes once baked. 🔥
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Add Walnuts: Stir the chopped walnuts into the soaked fruit mixture, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. 🌰
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small dish, crack the egg and whisk it together with the milk until well combined. 🥚
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg and milk mixture into the fruit mixture, stirring to blend everything together. Next, sift the self-raising flour over the mixture and fold it in with a wooden spoon. The mixture might appear a bit dry initially, but keep mixing, and it will come together into a thick, fruit-laden batter. 🍶
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Prepare for Baking: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf tins. Smooth the tops of the cakes with the back of a spoon to ensure an even rise. 🍰
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Bake: Place the tins in the center of the preheated oven. Bake for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, checking for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the cakes. The skewer should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked. Be cautious not to overcook; start testing after 1 1/4 hours to achieve a perfectly moist crumb. ⏲️
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and immediately turn them out onto a wire rack to cool. Enjoy your Irish Tea Cakes warm or at room temperature, sliced and generously buttered for a delightful treat. 🧈
Enjoy your baking journey with these traditional Irish Tea Cakes! They are a perfect blend of ease and taste, ideal for any tea time or special occasion. ☕🍞
