Grandma'S Tea Cake

Prep: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Tea Cake offers a tender, lightly sweetened treat with almond flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 to 1 1/4 tablespoons almond extract

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening; add sugar gradually, beating well at medium speed with electric mixer.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each one.
  3. Combine flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
  4. Add to cream mixture with buttermilk.
  5. Mix well.
  6. Stir in almond extract; cover and chill for 1 hour.
  7. Roll dough on a floured surface.
  8. Cut with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter.
  9. Place on greased cookie sheet.
  10. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until edges turn brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is softened but not melted when creaming with sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or lemon for a different flavor profile. Chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling easier and prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

These tea cakes are delightful on their own but can be served with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of Hot Fudge Ice Cream Topping for dessert. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Tea Cake contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

24 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.4g 1% DV
Carbs 5.2g 2% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 192.6mg 8% DV
Potassium 56.6mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 32.8mg 3% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, roll out the dough and proceed with cutting and baking as directed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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