Irish Tea Cake Fruit (Print)

Moist, subtly spiced Irish cake filled with plump dried fruits and light citrus zest.

# Ingredient list:

→ Dried Fruit

01 - 7 oz mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
02 - 2/3 cup hot strong black tea

→ Cake Batter

03 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1/4 tsp salt
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Optional

12 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds

# Directions:

01 - Combine dried fruit and hot tea in a medium bowl. Let soak for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
02 - Preheat oven to 340°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round or loaf cake tin with parchment paper.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
05 - Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mixture. Add lemon zest. Mix gently until just combined.
06 - Fold soaked dried fruit and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
07 - Spoon batter into prepared tin and smooth top evenly.
08 - Bake for 55-65 minutes until skewer inserted in center comes out clean.
09 - Cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Slice and serve plain or with butter.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is incredibly moist without being dense, thanks to that secret tea soaking step
  • It's one of those rare cakes that actually tastes better on day two when the flavors have had time to become best friends
  • You probably have everything in your pantry right now no special trips to the store needed
02 -
  • Drain the soaked fruit thoroughly or your cake will end up dense and soggy in places
  • Room temperature ingredients are not optional here cold butter and eggs won't incorporate properly
  • The cake is done when it's golden and a skewer comes out clean but if it's browning too quickly, tent it with foil
03 -
  • Use the strongest tea you can brew it makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor
  • If your fruit seems very dry after soaking, add a splash more liquid before mixing into the batter

Go back