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    Home » Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

    Irish Tea Cake

    Published: Mar 22, 2021 · Modified: Jun 10, 2022 by Lee · This post may contain affiliate links · 35 Comments .

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    This Irish Tea Cake is utter perfection. It’s light and fluffy and not overly sweet; like biting into a cloud! It’s amazing for breakfast, lunch, dessert and of course...tea time. If that wasn't enough, it’s gluten free, egg free, nut free and can easily be dairy free (vegan)!

    Light and airy, this Irish Tea Cake sits covered in powdered sugar.

    This Irish Tea Cake is the most perfect snack; I can’t stop raving about how incredible this cake is. The crumb of this cake is so so soft and the cake is so delicious. You can top it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, ganache or simply just powdered sugar! Love it so so much...I might have had 3 slices in one day. Ok maybe 4. Haha! Anyway...it’s amazing.

    For more easy tea cakes, check out my Chocolate Tea Cake or my Cinnamon Tea Cake!

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love This Cake
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Substitutions and Variations 
    • How to Make Irish Tea Cake
    • Expert Baking Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Easy Cake Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Irish Tea Cake

    Reasons to Love This Cake

    • Allergy Friendly- This cake is gluten free, nut free, egg free and can easily be dairy free (vegan)!
    • Soft & Fluffy- The cake is so super soft and delicious.
    • Buttery- It has a lovely mild buttery sweet flavor.
    • Goes with so Many Toppings- You can serve it with fresh fruit, a fruit compote, ganache or powdered sugar.

    Ingredient Notes

    Confectioners' sugar, gluten free flour, cornstarch water, kosher salt, butter, baking powder, milk, vanilla and granulated sugar in separate containers.
    • Gluten Free Flour- If you also have nut allergies, make sure to use a brand that’s made in a nut free facility.  I really love to use this gluten free flour because it’s nut safe but it does contain dairy. It also contains xanthan gum which really helps give baked goods their bounce.
    • Unsalted Butter or Vegan Baking Stick- Don’t use melted or softened; we want to cream it together with the sugar. Only use room temperature.
    • Granulated Sugar- I prefer granulated over brown to give the cake that beautiful white color.
    • Cornstarch Water- This is essential and binds everything together since the cake is eggless.
    • Milk- If there are no dairy allergies or if you’re not vegan, you can use regular whole milk. For non dairy, use a non dairy milk of your choosing. 
    • Vanilla- I use pure vanilla extract otherwise the cake can have a chemical flavor.
    • Confectioners' Sugar- This is for dusting the cake once it's completely cool.

    See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations 

    How to Make this Vegan

    • Use a gluten free flour that’s free from dairy.
    • Make sure the brand of sugar you use is vegan. 
    • Use vegan baking sticks instead of butter.
    • Only use a non dairy milk of choice.

    How to Make this Recipe with All Purpose Flour

    • Use 1 ¾ packed cups of regular flour (294 grams).
    • Only use ½ cup of milk.

    How to Make this Recipe with Eggs

    • Use 1 ¾ packed cups of regular flour (294 grams).
    • Only use ½ cup of milk.
    • Use 2 eggs and eliminate the cornstarch water.

    This recipe has not been tested with these substitutions and/or variations due to celiac disease and food allergies. If you change any of the ingredients, please let us know how the recipe turned out in the comments below!

    A slice of moist and fluffy Irish Tea Cake being taken from the whole.

    How to Make Irish Tea Cake

    Here are the step by step instructions to make this tea cake!

    Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 

    Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Water

    In a small bowl, using a spoon, mix together the 4 heaping tablespoons of cornstarch with 6 tablespoons of water until thin and watery. It will be thick and tacky at first.

    A whisk with the white dry ingredients.
    Step 1
    Cornstarch water in a bowl.
    Step 2

    Step 3: Cream the Sugar

    In a large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter or vegan baking stick and the sugar until it is soft and creamy. About 2-3 minutes.

     Step 4:  Add in the Cornstarch Water and Vanilla

    Slowly beat the cornstarch water mixture and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla into the creamed butter and sugar. It will look chunky.

    Creamed butter and sugar in a bowl.
    Step 3
    Cornstarch water and vanilla added to the creamed sugar.
    Step 4

    Step 5: Add in the Dry Ingredients and Milk

    Starting and ending with the gluten free flour mixture, with the mixer on low...pour in some flour then some milk then some flour.

    Once it is combined, turn off the mixer and use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl. You don’t want to over mix this. Just make sure everything is fully combined.

    Mixing the wet and dry ingredients into a smooth cake batter.
    Step 5
    Filling a silver cake pan with the batter.
    Step 6- Part 1

    Step 6: Bake and Cool

    Using a spatula, scoop the batter in a greased and parchment lined 9 inch cake pan; smooth the top with a butter knife. It will be super thick and sticky.

    Bake the cake in the center rack at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes until the cake is golden on top and springs back at you when careful touched.

    Let the cake cool completely in the cake pan. If you try to take it out when it is even a tiny bit warm, the entire thing may fall apart. Cakes with no eggs are very delicate. 

    Once cool, move to a cooling rack.  If it seems to be sticking to the cake pan, use a butter knife or a spatula to loosen the edges.

    Golden brown cake in a silver cake pan.
    Step 6- Part 2
    The baked cake base on a cooling rack.
    Step 6- Part 3
    A light coat of confectioners' sugar is added to the top of the cake.
    Step 7

    Step 7: Dust with Confectioners' Sugar

    Once the cake is completely cool, dust with the confectioners’ sugar. It must be completely cool otherwise the sugar will melt. Or you can top with fresh fruit, fruit compote, whipped cream, ganache, etc.

    Lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar, this Irish Tea Cake sits on a cake stand.

    Expert Baking Tips

    • Use Packed Cups of Flour- Normally in baking we do not use packed cups however, when working with gluten free, I've found using packed cups works best to help the baked goods keep their shape. Or read the gram measurement.
    • Use Room Temperature Butter- Do not use softened or melted butter/vegan baking sticks. We want to cream the butter with the sugar and it will not work if it is melted or softened.
    • Alternate the Flour and Milk when Mixing the Batter- Make sure to alternate the flour and the mill when mixing the batter. This is to ensure all the liquid gets absorbed properly into the batter.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this cake ahead of time?


    This cake is super soft and best the first day.

    If you must make it ahead of time, once cool, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not top it with confectioners' sugar or anything else until ready to eat.

    What size cake pan does this recipe use?


    This recipe is for a 9 inch cake pan and has not been tested with any other size.

    I'm allergic to corn. Can I use arrowroot starch?


    Ideally you should be able to replace the cornstarch with the same amount of arrowroot starch but I have not tested this.

    How do I store this Irish Tea Cake?


    Once the cake is cut into, it’s best to cut the entire cake into slices, wrap each slice in foil. Try to create a teepee with the top of the foil so it isn't touching the confectioners' sugar as much.

    Pop the slices in a zip top bag and freeze for up to 30 days.

    To defrost, take out if the freezer and leave at room temperature until soft; about 2 hours.

    Freeze the slices even if you're eating them the next day. Storing the cake at room temperature causes the confectioners' sugar get very wet and freezing helps prevent this and also keeps the cake itself soft.

    Birdseye View of three slices of Irish Tea Cake.

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      Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake

    Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!

    Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @laneandgreyfare and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube! Enjoy!!! 

    📖 Recipe

    Light and airy, this Irish Tea Cake sits covered in powdered sugar.

    Irish Tea Cake

    Author: Lee
    This Irish Tea Cake is utter perfection. It’s light and fluffy and not overly sweet; like biting into a cloud! It’s amazing for breakfast, lunch, dessert and of course...tea time. If that wasn't enough, it’s gluten free, egg free, nut free and can easily be dairy free (vegan)! 
    5 from 33 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 Slices
    Calories 248 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ¾ cups gluten free flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter or vegan baking stick, room temperature
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 4 heaping tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 6 tablespoons of water
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup milk
    • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar for dusting

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 inch cake pan with vegetable oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment paper as well. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 
    • In a small bowl, using a spoon, mix together the 4 heaping tablespoons of cornstarch with 6 tablespoons of water until thin and watery. It will be thick and tacky at first.
    • In a large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter or vegan baking stick and the sugar until it is soft and creamy. About 2-3 minutes.
    • Slowly beat the cornstarch water mixture and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla into the creamed butter and sugar. It will look chunky.
    • Starting and ending with the gluten free flour mixture, with the mixer on low...pour in some flour then some milk then some flour.
      Once it is combined, turn off the mixer and use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl. You don’t want to over mix this. Just make sure everything is fully combined.
    • Using a spatula, scoop the batter in a greased and parchment lined 9 inch cake pan; smooth the top with a butter knife. It will be super thick and sticky.
      Bake the cake in the center rack at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes until the cake is golden on top and springs back at you when careful touched.
    • Let the cake cool completely in the cake pan. If you try to take it out when it is even a tiny bit warm, the entire thing may fall apart. Cakes with no eggs are very delicate. 
      Once cool, move to a cooling rack.  If it seems to be sticking to the cake pan, use a butter knife or a spatula to loosen the edges.
    • Once the cake is completely cool, dust with the confectioners’ sugar. It must be completely cool otherwise the sugar will melt. Or you can top with fresh fruit, fruit compote, whipped cream, ganache, etc.

    Video

    Notes

    For Vegan: Use a gluten free flour free from dairy, vegan sugar, vegan baking sticks instead of butter and use a non dairy milk. 
    All Purpose Flour: I cannot test this due to celiac disease, but use 1 ¾ packed cups of regular flour (294 grams) and ½ cup of milk.
    Eggs: I cannot test this due to a severe egg allergy, but use 1 ¾ packed cups of flour (294 grams), ½ cup milk, 2 eggs and eliminate the cornstarch water. 
    Storing: Once the cake is cut into, it’s best to cut the entire cake into slices, wrap each slice in foil. Try to create a teepee with the top of the foil so it isn't touching the confectioners' sugar as much. Pop the slices in a zip top bag and freeze for up to 30 days. To defrost, take out if the freezer and leave at room temperature until soft; about 2 hours. Freeze slices even if you're eating them the next day. Storing the cake at room temperature causes the confectioners' sugar get very wet and freezing helps prevent this and also keeps the cake itself soft.
    Nutrition: The info below is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 313IUCalcium: 87mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sam

      September 30, 2024 at 7:30 am

      5 stars
      Best gf cake I have made by far. Thank you! I replaced the cornflour slurry with 2 eggs, otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Light, airy, & just moist enough.

      Reply
      • Lee

        September 30, 2024 at 2:54 pm

        Thanks so much and thank you for sharing what you did with eggs for others!

        Reply
      • Christina

        March 15, 2025 at 4:56 pm

        5 stars
        I used gluten free flour but two eggs instead of cornstarch. so delish! very dense and moist which we all loved.

        Reply
        • Lee

          March 15, 2025 at 11:31 pm

          Thank you and thanks for sharing what you did as well!!

    2. Unna

      July 02, 2024 at 4:57 am

      5 stars
      Super good and worked well with the all purpose flour 😊

      Reply
      • Lee

        July 02, 2024 at 10:50 am

        SO glad! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Natasha

      May 26, 2024 at 10:20 am

      This recipe was super easy to make and came out so light and fluffy!!!

      Reply
    4. Angie

      January 13, 2024 at 11:19 pm

      5 stars
      This was a perfect lightly sweet and moist gluten free cake. This is the first recipe I’ve made from here and I love it! I replaced the cornstarch with flaxseed meal and it still turned out delightful. Delicious.

      Reply
      • Judy

        August 17, 2024 at 2:13 pm

        I wanted to use flaxseed too. How much did you use? 2 tablespoons in 4 tablespoons water? Or did you put 4 like she did with the cornstarch?

        Reply
    5. Kate

      September 10, 2023 at 1:54 pm

      The first time I tried this recipe, it flopped (I must have messed up the amounts), but the second time, just now, it turned out super nice. Thanks a lot for this great recipe - have been baking (self-invented) allergy-friendly cakes for a long time, but your recipe is really something! Will be making it all the time now. Only will try to substitute sugar next time as it doesn't really agree with me.

      Reply
    6. Teresa

      July 16, 2023 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy recipe and so delicious. I’ll have this cake in the freezer ready to pull out when the cravings hit!

      Reply
      • Lee

        July 16, 2023 at 6:52 pm

        So glad, thank you!!!!

        Reply
    7. Betty Weiss

      July 01, 2023 at 1:45 am

      Can this be turned into cupcakes?

      Reply
      • Lee

        July 08, 2023 at 12:45 pm

        Hi Betty! I don't think they would hold up well as cupcakes. If you are looking for a fluffy soft vanilla cupcake, check out my Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes. They're so light and soft!

        Reply
    8. Chris

      May 14, 2023 at 5:47 am

      Hi any suggestions as to what I can swap for butter?

      Reply
      • Lee

        May 18, 2023 at 3:42 pm

        Hi there! You can use a vegan baking stick!

        Reply
    9. IM

      May 02, 2023 at 11:00 pm

      Thank you for this recipe. I was looking for only an eggless recipe, so I used all purpose flour, butter and regular milk. I used 3/4 cup milk and I think it turned out great! In the future I might try with less milk and see the difference.

      Reply
      • Lee

        May 07, 2023 at 10:17 am

        Thanks so much for sharing what you did!

        Reply
    10. A

      April 20, 2023 at 5:24 pm

      Thank you! That is helpful.
      Do you know if it makes the cake denser?

      Reply
      • Lee

        April 24, 2023 at 7:45 pm

        I'm not sure...I haven't tried it. Sorry!

        Reply
    11. A

      April 17, 2023 at 10:48 am

      I cannot eat cornstarch or eggs. Any suggestions/substitutions? Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Lee

        April 20, 2023 at 11:08 am

        Yes! Many have used arrowroot starch instead of the cornstarch. Use the same amount. Hope that helps!

        Reply
        • Denise Sharp

          May 16, 2023 at 2:05 pm

          Can I use salted butter?

        • Lee

          May 18, 2023 at 3:40 pm

          Hi Denise! If you do, I would not add any extra salt in the recipe. But, I would use unsalted if you can. Unsalted butter is fresher and creates a better flavor. In addition, every company adds different amounts of salt in their salted butters. So, you can possibly be adding double the amount of salt recommended. Hope this makes sense!

    12. Debie

      April 06, 2023 at 3:46 pm

      this will be perfect for my daughter's birthday. no wheat, no eggs, no dairy and no problems!

      Reply
      • Lee

        April 06, 2023 at 10:18 pm

        Yes!!!!

        Reply
    13. Ruchi

      June 19, 2022 at 12:33 pm

      The cake texture looks amazing. Have you used GF plain flour or GF self-raising flour? Thank you

      Reply
      • Lee

        June 19, 2022 at 10:18 pm

        Thanks so much! I use regular multipurpose gluten free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Hope this helps!

        Reply
      • Litiskat

        April 08, 2023 at 2:34 pm

        So if u use eggs and not the cornstarch water, do you use an additional 1/2 c of milk in addition to the 3/4 in the recipe? Thank you! My son was just diagnosed with celiac and looking forward to making something special for him.

        Reply
        • Lee

          April 12, 2023 at 10:35 pm

          Hi! Sorry to hear about your son's disgnosis but glad he will hopefully be healing soon! As a mama of a celiac child, I know how hard it is. Please never hesitate to message me if you have any questions! As for the cake...sorry for the confusion. I cannot test it with eggs due to my son's allergy, but only use 1/2 cup of milk instead of the 3/4 cup that I mention in the recipe. Adding eggs means you'll need less liquid. Hope it works out!

        • Judy

          January 24, 2024 at 11:47 pm

          Can I add b chocolate to it and how much if I can. Thanks

        • Lee

          January 25, 2024 at 10:40 am

          Hi! If you're looking for cocoa powder added to the recipe, check out my Chocolate Tea Cake! It's like a chocolate version of this cake and has a chocolate glaze! Hope that helps!

      • Catherine caplan

        February 04, 2024 at 11:25 am

        Do you need to firmly pack all purpose flour when making this cake and other cakes you’ve posted. Thanks!

        Reply
        • Lee

          February 04, 2024 at 6:32 pm

          Yes! I do that in all my recipes. With the eggless and gluten free combo...I find that extra bit of flour is necessary.

    14. John

      May 02, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      A perfect light and fluffy cake to go with my tea!

      Reply
    5 from 33 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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    Lee, the beautiful founder of Lane and Grey Fare.

    Hi guys, I'm Lee! As a mother of two children with celiac disease and multiple food allergies, I wanted to share all that I’ve learned with others in a way that’s entertaining and helpful. All my food is 100 percent gluten free, nut free, seed free, egg free and most of my baked goods can easily be made dairy free (vegan).

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