Mary Ellen'S Tea Cakes
Mary Ellen's Tea Cakes are delicate, sweet treats with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix self-rising flour, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and margarine; stir until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet.
- Bake until the cakes sink in, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt to each cup of all-purpose flour. Adding a bit of zest from a lemon or orange can elevate the taste further.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own or served with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Easy But Fancy Cookies for a sweet treat platter. Consider adding a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ellen'S Tea Cakes contains roughly 548 calories, with 10g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substitute eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, 1/4 cup of applesauce can be used as a replacement for one egg.
What if I don't have self-rising flour?
If you don't have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will ensure your tea cakes rise nicely and have a light texture.
Can I add other flavors to the tea cakes?
Absolutely! You can incorporate different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to give your tea cakes a unique twist. Additionally, adding chocolate chips or nuts can provide extra texture and flavor, making them even more delightful.
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).