Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One rainy afternoon, I was rummaging through my pantry, craving something simple yet indulgent. I stumbled upon a vanilla bean pod and thought, “Why not create a tea cake that’s delicate, fragrant, and topped with a glossy glaze?” That spontaneous moment gave birth to this Vanilla Bean Tea Cake with Glaze, a recipe that has since become my go-to for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or even when I just want to treat myself. The soft crumb, rich vanilla aroma, and silky glaze make it feel like a hug in cake form. Over the years, I’ve made it countless times, each time perfecting the balance between a tender crumb and a slightly crisp top.
I often make this tea cake for my friends during weekend tea sessions. The moment they bite into it, the smell of vanilla fills the room, and the conversations get sweeter. If you’ve ever baked a tea cake, you’ll know that a great one isn’t just about flavor it’s about the experience. And trust me, this Vanilla Bean Tea Cake with Glaze ticks all the boxes.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about vanilla. One tiny pod has the power to transform a simple cake into something unforgettable. I love this recipe because it’s straightforward yet sophisticated. It requires minimal ingredients, but the technique creaming butter and sugar properly, folding in the flour gently, and brushing on a sweet glaze elevates it to a bakery-level treat.
Every time I make this cake, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would let me crack eggs, measure flour, and sneak a taste of batter. Baking this cake feels like sharing a piece of that memory. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and celebratory, perfect for any moment you want to make special.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s my carefully refined ingredient list for a soft, moist tea cake with that signature vanilla aroma:
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g plain flour
- 2 tbsp milk, at room temperature
- 1 pinch of salt
For the glaze:
- 100g icing sugar
- 2–3 tbsp hot water or freshly brewed tea
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Little kitchen secrets:
- Always soften your butter at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds to get maximum flavor.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour; fold gently to keep the cake light and tender.
- Warm glaze slightly before drizzling for a shiny finish.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Grease and line a loaf tin.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial for an airy crumb.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and scraped vanilla seeds.
- Sift together self-raising flour, plain flour, and a pinch of salt. Fold the flour gently into the butter mixture in batches. Avoid overmixing.
- Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly; it should fall off a spoon in thick ribbons.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: mix icing sugar, vanilla extract, and hot water or tea until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this cake slightly warm with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or a creamy latte. Sometimes, I slice it thin for a mid-afternoon treat, other times I make thick slices for brunch with friends. The vanilla glaze adds a delicate sweetness that’s perfect alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
For extra flair, I sometimes sprinkle edible flowers or a pinch of cinnamon on top of the glaze. It transforms a simple tea cake into a centerpiece for your table.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in cling film and foil; it keeps for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before glazing.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back the soft, tender texture.
- Make-ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance; glaze just before serving for a fresh finish.
100-Word Short Version
This Vanilla Bean Tea Cake with Glaze is a soft, fragrant cake that melts in your mouth. I start by creaming butter and sugar, then mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and scraped vanilla seeds. Flour is folded gently to keep the cake light. After baking to a golden perfection, a simple icing sugar and vanilla glaze is drizzled on top. Perfect for afternoon tea or cozy mornings, this cake is easy to make, stores well, and can even be frozen. Every bite carries the warmth of home and nostalgia, making it more than just a cake it’s a memory.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 50 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g plain flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 pinch of salt
For the glaze:
- 100g icing sugar
- 2–3 tbsp hot water or tea
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease and line a loaf tin.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract and seeds.
- Fold in sifted flours and salt gently.
- Stir in milk, pour into tin, smooth top.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until skewer comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in tin, then transfer to wire rack.
- Mix icing sugar, vanilla, and water/tea for glaze; drizzle over cake.
📝 Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Don’t overmix flour to keep cake airy.
- Glaze slightly warm for a shiny finish.
- Store in airtight container up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving size: 1 slice 🍰
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 11g
Carbs: 36g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 60mg
Vanilla Bean Tea Cake with Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cozy Vanilla Bean Tea Cake with Glaze is soft, fragrant, and perfect for tea time or family gatherings. The tender crumb and silky glaze make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g plain flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- For the glaze: 100g icing sugar
- 2–3 tbsp hot water or tea
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease and line a loaf tin.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract and seeds.
- Fold in sifted flours and salt gently.
- Stir in milk, pour into tin, smooth top.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until skewer comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in tin, then transfer to wire rack.
- Mix icing sugar, vanilla, and water/tea for glaze; drizzle over cake.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Don’t overmix flour to keep cake airy. Glaze slightly warm for a shiny finish. Store in airtight container up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 75
Conclusion
Baking this Vanilla Bean Tea Cake with Glaze is like pressing pause on a busy day. It’s cozy, sweet, and comforting a reminder that simple ingredients, a little patience, and a lot of love can create magic in your kitchen. Every slice brings warmth, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing. Make it for yourself, your family, or friends, and watch as it becomes a treasured part of your home baking tradition.