Great Tea Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delightful tea cakes with a tender crumb and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or as a light snack for any occasion.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar and oil together until well combined.
  2. Beat eggs separately, then add to the sugar and oil mixture.
  3. Add vanilla and flour to the mixture and stir until smooth.
  4. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake in a 325°F oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. If you're out of eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. To ensure even baking, make sure your cookie sheet is cool before adding the batter. For a fun twist, try incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

These tea cakes are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. Consider serving them alongside My Mother'S Best Coffee Cake for a delightful brunch spread. You can also dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Great Tea Cakes contains roughly 279 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 19g fat.

279 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 19.1g 25% DV
Carbs 23.8g 9% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 71.5mg 3% DV
Potassium 166.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 64.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 59.9mg 5% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. The tea cakes might be denser, so you might want to add a little more oil or a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

What can I do if my batter is too thick?

If your batter seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This will help ensure that the tea cakes bake evenly and have a light texture.

How do I know when the tea cakes are done baking?

The tea cakes are done when they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary, and baking time may differ slightly.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →