Tea Cake: A Sweet Slice of Comfort
You know those days when you just want a little pick-me-up? A slice of Tea Cake can work wonders! There’s something incredibly warm and comforting about enjoying a piece of this lovely treat with a cup of your favorite tea. I remember the first time I made it; it was for a rainy afternoon when nothing but sweet happiness would do. So, if you’re ready to whip up a batch of cozy goodness, stick around, and let’s make some delightful Tea Cake together!
What Is Tea Cake?
If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Tea Cake yet, let me tell you—it’s a delightful, fluffy cake that perfectly balances sweetness and comfort. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed during afternoon tea, but honestly, it’s great any time of day. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a quiet moment for yourself, Tea Cake is there to satisfy those sweet cravings. Plus, you can easily customize it with various flavors, spices, or fruits, making it your own!
Ingredients Overview for Tea Cake
Getting started on a perfect Tea Cake is simpler than you think. Here’s what you’ll need for that soft and fluffy masterpiece:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cake, giving it structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake; feel free to use cane sugar for a more rustic flavor!
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise, making it light and airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it really enhances the sweetness!
- Butter: Adds that rich, buttery flavor; you can use unsalted or salted based on your preference.
- Eggs: This gives moisture and helps bind everything together.
- Milk: For added moistness; any kind will do, including almond or oat milk!
- Vanilla Extract: A must for that delightful scent and flavor—you can even swap it for almond extract if you’re adventurous!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tea Cake
Let’s dive into the magic of making a lovely Tea Cake!
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- Cream the Butter: In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then slowly add your sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one by one, ensuring each one is fully blended before adding the next.
- Incorporate Dry & Wet Ingredients: Alternately mix the dry mixture and milk into the butter and egg mix until just combined. Add in that heavenly vanilla extract!
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once it’s cooled, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Nothing beats a warm slice of Tea Cake straight from the oven, but you can definitely make it extra special! Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. Want to get fancy? Pair it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless!
Tips For The Perfect Tea Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix your batter; it’ll keep your cake tender.
- Add Zest: For a fresh twist, try adding lemon or orange zest for a burst of flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it moist, or freeze slices for quick treats later!
Q&A Section
1. Can I add fruits to my Tea Cake?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples work nicely. Just toss them in flour before mixing to prevent sinking.
2. How can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use almond or soy milk instead.
3. Can I make this in advance?
Definitely! This cake keeps well for a few days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to three months.
4. What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can make a substitute with vinegar and baking soda—just mix one teaspoon of vinegar with one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda for each teaspoon of baking powder.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in comfort, then Tea Cake is your go-to treat! It’s not only delightful in terms of flavor but also incredibly simple to make. You can enjoy it with your afternoon tea or as a sweet nugget of joy during your day. Honestly, it tastes like a hug in cake form!
Behind The Scenes
Making this Tea Cake brought back so many memories for me! The first time didn’t go as planned; I may have skipped the room temperature step, resulting in a bit of a dense cake. After a little tweaking, I figured it out. Now, it’s one of my favorite go-to recipes to whip up when I want something cozy to share with friends. I usually like to have a fun cake decorating session too! You can check out more of my baking adventures and inspiration on my Pinterest page here. Every bake is a little journey full of learning and joy, and I can’t wait for you to start yours!
Baking a Tea Cake is an experience that’s not only about the end result but also the joy of creating something delicious and sweet. I hope you enjoy your baking journey as much as I do!
Print
Tea Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful, fluffy cake that perfectly balances sweetness and comfort, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then slowly add your sugar until it is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one by one, ensuring each one is fully blended before adding the next.
- Alternately mix the dry mixture and milk into the butter and egg mix until just combined. Add the vanilla extract last.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice once it’s cooled, and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg