Old Fashion Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes are delightful, nostalgic treats with a subtly spiced flavor from nutmeg. Their soft, tender crumb makes them perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings. Easy to make and irresistibly charming, these cakes bring comfort and a touch of tradition to any table.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 6 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sweet milk
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: flour, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with sweet milk, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
  6. Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

To keep your tea cakes soft, avoid overworking the dough after adding the flour. If you want a twist, consider substituting half of the sweet milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful tea cakes with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a classic experience. They pair beautifully with a light fruit jam or whipped cream for added flavor. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Christmas Candy Canes during the holiday season or as part of a dessert spread at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them by placing layers of parchment paper between the cakes and sealing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashion Tea Cakes contains roughly 64 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

64 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 1g 1% DV
Carbs 12.5g 5% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 112.1mg 5% DV
Potassium 45.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 12.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.6mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 56.4mg 4% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cakes tough.

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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