Olde English Tea Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 9 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: British

Olde English Tea Cakes are delicate, buttery confections with a light, crumbly texture and subtle vanilla flavor. Perfect for teatime or special occasions, these charming treats evoke a nostalgic charm. Their simple ingredients and elegant appearance make them ideal for both casual gatherings and refined celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
  6. Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Lightly press the top of each cake with a cloth-covered glass dipped in sugar.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 9 minutes or until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth batter. If you want to reduce sugar, consider substituting up to half with applesauce for a healthier option. You can also experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest or a pinch of nutmeg for a twist. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cakes light and airy.

Serving Suggestions

These Olde English Tea Cakes are delightful served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a light Cucumber Dip Or Spread for a refreshing contrast. For added sweetness, serve with a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of honey. They make a lovely addition to any afternoon tea spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Olde English Tea Cakes contains roughly 160 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).

160 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 22.9g 8% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 244.8mg 11% DV
Potassium 117.5mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 31.7mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 57.7mg 4% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be a delightful addition to these tea cakes. Fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips after combining the wet and dry ingredients for a sweet twist. Just be mindful that this may alter the texture 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).

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