Old Fashioned Tea Cake
Old Fashioned Tea Cake is a classic, tender treat with a subtly sweet flavor and a delightful crumb. Perfect for teatime or casual gatherings, its buttery richness and soft texture make it a comforting choice for all ages. Easy to prepare and versatile, it pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a tray of sifted flour. Work together until the dough is stiff enough to handle.
- Roll out on a floured board and cut with a cookie cutter.
- Bake at 375°F until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your tea cakes are light and fluffy, make sure the butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. For added flavor, consider incorporating vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg. Remember not to overwork the dough after adding the flour.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, serve them with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream. They also complement a sweet cheese spread beautifully. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Jay'S Soft Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Tea Cake contains roughly 1257 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% 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 unsalted butter instead of regular butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the salt content if needed, as salted butter already contains salt. Unsalted butter allows for more control over the final flavor of your tea cakes.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the tea cakes tough. Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to help as well.
Can I decorate the tea cakes after baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can decorate your tea cakes with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or top them with icing. Sprinkles or edible flowers can also add a festive touch. These decorations can make your tea cakes suitable for special occasions.
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).