Grandmother'S Tea Cake
A classic, moist tea cake featuring buttery richness and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for tea time or light desserts, suitable for family gatherings and afternoon treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs gradually, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda (if not using self-rising flour).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter is softened and not melted when creaming with sugar. You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if necessary. If you want to add a hint of flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest or almond extract. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful tea cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be enjoyed as a light dessert or an afternoon snack. For added indulgence, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of Nola'S Frosting. Fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote also make great accompaniments to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Tea Cake contains roughly 272 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1281mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but the cake may be denser. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to check that it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for proper texture.
What can I do if the cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or measuring flour incorrectly. To remedy this, try adding a simple syrup to the cooled cake for moisture. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle it with a glaze to enhance its flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead. Just store it wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For the best flavor, consider frosting it just before serving. This tea cake is perfect for gatherings and can be enjoyed by both family and friends.
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).