Name: Irish Dairy Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 14
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1½ cups butter; 3 cups white sugar; 6 eggs; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour

Experience the rich and indulgent flavors of Irish dairy cake. This delightful cake combines the creamy goodness of butter, cream cheese, and eggs, creating a moist and velvety texture that will captivate your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a celebration of simple yet luxurious ingredients.

Photos of Irish Dairy Cake Recipe

While butter, white sugar, and eggs are pantry staples, make sure you have cream cheese on hand, as it adds a unique richness to the batter. A 10-inch fluted tube pan is also essential for achieving the traditional shape and even baking of this cake.

Ingredients For Irish Dairy Cake

Butter: Provides moisture and a rich, creamy flavor.

White sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.

Cream cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy element that enhances the texture.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, sweet aroma.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cake, giving it body and texture.

One reader, Darryl Macleod says:

This Irish dairy cake is absolutely delightful! The texture is perfectly moist and velvety, and the flavor is rich and buttery. It was a hit at our family gathering. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Darryl Macleod

Techniques Required for Irish Dairy Cake Recipe

How to cream butter and sugar: Combine butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. How to beat in eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. How to grease and flour a pan: Coat the inside of the pan with butter or oil, then dust with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. How to mix in flour: Gradually add flour to the batter, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth and velvety consistency.

How To Make Irish Dairy Cake

This dairy cake only needs a few ingredients to make a rich and fluffy sweet treat! It’s packed with cream cheese for a richer and creamier dessert.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupsbutter,softened
3cupswhite sugar
6eggs,at room temperature
8ozcream cheese,(1 package), softened
1tspvanilla extract
3cupsall-purpose flour,sifted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch fluted tube pan.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating each egg until fully incorporated before adding the next one. Mix in cream cheese and vanilla extract.
Mix in the flour, about ½ cup at a time, until the batter is smooth and velvety. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the oven for 1½ hours until the top is golden brown.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 520.36kcal
Fat: 27.29g
Saturated Fat: 16.24g
Trans Fat: 0.80g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.21g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.44g
Carbohydrates: 64.13g
Fiber: 0.72g
Sugar: 43.48g
Protein: 6.25g
Cholesterol: 138.67mg
Sodium: 88.96mg
Calcium: 36.51mg
Potassium: 83.59mg
Iron: 1.65mg
Vitamin A: 255.14µg

Crucial Technique Tip for Irish Dairy Cake Recipe

When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy mixture that will help your cake rise properly and have a tender crumb.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Irish Dairy Cake

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all butter, sugar, eggs, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and flour before starting to streamline the process.

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar and mixing batter.

Prepare the pan ahead: Grease and flour the fluted tube pan before starting to mix ingredients.

Batch baking: If making multiple cakes, prepare and bake them in batches to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Irish Dairy Cake Recipe

butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in baking, providing a similar texture and moisture content.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a slight coconut flavor and works well in baking, offering a similar fat content to butter.
white sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and moisture to the cake.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is sweeter than sugar and adds moisture, so reduce the amount slightly and adjust the liquid content in the recipe.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This works well as a binding agent in baking.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. This adds moisture and a slight sweetness to the cake.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good substitute for cream cheese.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese that can replace cream cheese, offering a rich and smooth texture.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the cake.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, though it may slightly alter the cake's texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cake denser.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining a similar texture.

Presenting Your Irish Dairy Cake

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the Irish dairy cake into elegant, thin slices to create a refined presentation. This allows the rich flavors to be savored without overwhelming the palate.
Use decoration: Garnish each slice with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint to add a touch of color and freshness.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a light raspberry coulis or caramel sauce around the plate to complement the cake's creamy texture and add a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to provide a contrast in texture and temperature.
Use elegant plating: Place the slice of cake slightly off-center on a pristine white plate to create a visually appealing composition. Use a fine brush to create artistic strokes of sauce on the plate.
Add edible flowers: Garnish with a few edible flowers such as violets or pansies to add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a small piece of cream cheese or a vanilla bean on the plate to emphasize the key ingredients used in the cake.
Create height: Stack two thin slices of cake slightly offset from each other to add height and dimension to the presentation.
Use a contrasting element: Add a few fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries around the plate to provide a burst of color and a tart contrast to the cake's sweetness.
Finish with a touch of gold: Lightly dust the top of the cake with edible gold leaf for a luxurious and opulent finish that will impress any culinary professional.

Essential Tools for Making Irish Dairy Cake

Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
10-inch fluted tube pan: Provides the cake with its shape and ensures even baking.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Electric mixer: Helps in creaming the butter and sugar together and incorporating the eggs smoothly.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities like vanilla extract.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking.
Sifter: Helps in aerating the flour and removing any lumps for a smoother batter.
Butter knife: Used to spread butter evenly on the pan for greasing.
Flour sifter: Ensures an even coating of flour on the greased pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Storing and Freezing Irish Dairy Cake

Allow the Irish dairy cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The cake will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To store the cake in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
If you want to freeze individual slices of the cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. The slices will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To thaw the frozen slices, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the slices on low power for 10-15 seconds until thawed.

How To Reheat Leftover Irish Dairy Cake

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the leftover irish dairy cake in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat the cake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through. This method helps to retain the cake's moisture and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place a single slice of the irish dairy cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 20-30 seconds. If the cake isn't warm enough, continue heating it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it may become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior, try reheating the irish dairy cake in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of the cake in the skillet and heat it for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's golden brown and warmed through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the irish dairy cake. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the cake in the air fryer basket and heat it for 2-3 minutes, or until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a moist and flavorful reheating method, try steaming the irish dairy cake. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a slice of the cake on a heatproof plate and set it on a steamer basket above the simmering water. Cover the pot and steam the cake for 3-5 minutes, or until it's warmed through.

Is Making Irish Dairy Cake at Home Cost-Effective?

The Irish dairy cake recipe is moderately cost-effective. With butter, sugar, eggs, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour as primary ingredients, it offers a rich and indulgent dessert. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, considering the quantities required. Overall Verdict: 7/10.

Is Irish Dairy Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Irish dairy cake recipe is quite indulgent and not particularly healthy. Here are a few reasons why:

The recipe contains a large amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and saturated fat
Cream cheese adds additional fat and calories to the recipe
The cake is made with refined all-purpose flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain flours
The recipe does not include any fruits, vegetables, or other nutrient-dense ingredients

While enjoying a slice of this cake occasionally is fine, regular consumption could contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the recipe
Replace some or all of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
Add grated zucchini or carrots to the batter for a boost of vitamins and minerals
Top the cake with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey instead of frosting for a lighter, more nutritious finish

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nourishing version of this Irish dairy cake that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Editor's Opinion on This Irish Dairy Cake Recipe

This Irish dairy cake recipe is a delightful blend of rich, creamy flavors and a tender crumb. The combination of butter, cream cheese, and vanilla creates a luscious, moist texture that is sure to please. The method is straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve excellent results. Baking at a low temperature for an extended period allows the cake to develop a beautiful golden crust while remaining soft inside. This cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a comforting, homemade taste that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Enhance Your Irish Dairy Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Pears with Honey and Thyme: Imagine the delightful contrast of roasted pears drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of thyme. The natural sweetness of the pears complements the rich, creamy texture of the Irish Dairy Cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: For a savory twist, consider serving caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon. The earthy, slightly bitter taste of the Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the smoky, salty bacon, providing a delightful counterpoint to the sweet, buttery notes of the cake.

Lemon Basil Sorbet: A refreshing lemon basil sorbet can cleanse the palate and add a zesty, herbal note to your dessert experience. The bright citrus flavor of the lemon and the aromatic hint of basil create a light, invigorating contrast to the dense, creamy cake.

Spiced Apple Compote: Enhance your dessert with a warm, comforting spiced apple compote. The tender apples, cooked with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, offer a cozy, autumnal flavor that perfectly complements the rich, buttery cake.

Raspberry Coulis: A vibrant raspberry coulis can add a burst of tartness and color to your dessert plate. The tangy, sweet raspberries provide a lively contrast to the smooth, creamy texture of the Irish Dairy Cake, making each bite a delightful adventure.

Similar Recipes to Irish Dairy Cake

Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake: Indulge in a rich and creamy dessert that combines the smooth flavors of Baileys Irish Cream with a luscious cheesecake. Perfect for any special occasion or just a delightful treat at home.

Irish Apple Cake: Experience the comforting taste of Ireland with this traditional cake featuring tender apples and a hint of cinnamon. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Guinness Chocolate Cake: Dive into a decadent dessert where the rich, deep flavors of Guinness stout blend seamlessly with chocolate. This moist and flavorful cake is sure to impress your guests.

Irish Coffee Mousse: Savor the delightful combination of coffee and whiskey in this light and airy mousse. A perfect way to end a meal, this dessert is both elegant and easy to make.

Irish Soda Bread: Bake a classic bread that’s a staple in Irish cuisine. This soda bread is quick to make and pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or simply a spread of butter.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Irish Dairy Cake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, firm mushrooms and remove the stems. Create a delectable filling using cream cheese, garlic, and finely chopped herbs. Add a touch of parmesan for a rich, savory flavor. Fill each mushroom cap generously and bake until golden and bubbly. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

Bruschetta: Transform your appetizer spread with bruschetta. Begin with slices of crusty bread, lightly toasted to perfection. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This classic Italian starter is both simple and sophisticated, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Main Courses:

Beef Wellington: Imagine a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin wrapped in a delicate layer of puff pastry. The beef is first seared to lock in the juices, then coated with a rich mushroom duxelles and a thin layer of prosciutto. The entire ensemble is then encased in puff pastry and baked to a golden perfection. The result is a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables and a red wine reduction sauce for an unforgettable dining experience.

Chicken Cordon Bleu: This classic dish features chicken breasts that are pounded thin and then stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese. The chicken is then breaded and either baked or fried to a crispy golden brown. The melted cheese and savory ham create a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. Pair this with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce and a side of steamed asparagus or mashed potatoes for a meal that is both elegant and comforting.

Why trust this Irish Dairy Cake Recipe:

This recipe for Irish dairy cake is a tried-and-true classic that combines the richness of butter and cream cheese with the sweetness of white sugar. The eggs add a light and fluffy texture, while the vanilla extract provides a subtle, aromatic flavor. The use of all-purpose flour ensures a perfect crumb. With simple, high-quality ingredients and straightforward instructions, this cake is sure to impress.

Share your thoughts on the Irish Dairy Cake Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

How do I know when the cake is done?

I usually check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it's done. The top should also be golden brown.

Can I use a different type of pan?

You can, but the baking time might vary. If you use a different pan, keep an eye on the cake and check for doneness earlier than the specified time.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese gives the cake a rich texture and flavor. You could try using mascarpone or ricotta, but the taste and texture might be slightly different.

How should I store the cake?

I usually keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I add any other flavors or ingredients?

Absolutely! You can add things like lemon zest, almond extract, or even some chopped nuts or dried fruit to give it a personal touch. Just be mindful of the balance so it doesn't overpower the cake's original flavor.