Special Tea Cakes
Deliciously soft and sweet tea cakes with a tender crumb, perfect for teatime or snacks, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked treats with a hint of vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla flavoring, and shortening together.
- Work in self-rising flour like you would for biscuit dough.
- Knead the dough and roll out on a floured surface.
- Cut out the cakes and place them on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk or a non-dairy alternative for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
These tea cakes are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a beautiful presentation. They pair beautifully with Creamy Banana Pudding(By Lounelle Shaw, Pendergrass, Ga) for a delicious dessert spread. Consider serving them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cakes in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Tea Cakes contains roughly 113 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, which will give the cakes a richer flavor. Keep in mind that butter has a lower melting point, so the texture might be slightly different, but they will still turn out delicious.
How can I make these cakes more sweet?
If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar by half a cup. Additionally, adding a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk on top after baking can enhance the sweetness and provide a nice finish.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and onto the dough itself while kneading. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cakes dense.
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).