How to Make Tea Cake: A Classic Treat for Your Afternoon Tea

A warm, buttery tea cake, lightly sweet and bursting with flavor, is the perfect companion to your afternoon cup of tea. This delightful treat has been a staple in kitchens for generations, offering a comforting and simple baking experience for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide will take you through the steps of creating your own delicious tea cake at home.

What is a Tea Cake?

A tea cake is a small, simple cake, often flavored with vanilla or lemon, and traditionally enjoyed with tea. Its texture can vary from soft and crumbly to slightly dense and moist, depending on the recipe. The beauty of tea cakes lies in their simplicity and versatility, making them a beloved treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients:

• Zest of 1 lemon (for a citrusy twist)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)

Tools of the Trade:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick

Let’s Get Baking:

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Fold in Extras (Optional): If you’re adding lemon zest, nuts, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter using a rubber spatula.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Tea Cake Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk will ensure that the ingredients blend smoothly and evenly, resulting in a cake with a tender crumb.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and chewy cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Toothpick Test: The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is ready.
• Storage: Store any leftover tea cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FAQs:

• Can I use a different type of pan? You can bake this tea cake in a 9-inch square pan or even individual muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Can I freeze tea cake? Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• What can I serve with tea cake? Tea cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of glaze, or fresh berries.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cake filling your home, and with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can experience the joy of baking a classic tea cake anytime. Enjoy it warm from the oven with your favorite cup of tea for a comforting and delightful treat. Share your baking adventures with us in the comments below – we’d love to hear your tea cake stories! And don’t forget to explore our other delightful cake recipes on Family Cuisine for more baking inspiration!