Tea Cakes(Grandma Baden'S Recipe)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Tea Cakes offer a delightful, light treat with a tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings. Their simple ingredients and soft texture make them appealing to both kids and adults, pairing wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 sticks oleo
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 3 cups plain flour
  • 3 to 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar, oleo, and eggs together.
  2. Add vanilla and buttermilk.
  3. Stir in flour with baking powder and salt.
  4. Mixture will be soft.
  5. Drop by spoon onto greased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350°F until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cakes light and fluffy. For a flavor twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract.

Serving Suggestions

Tea cakes are delightful served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a light glaze. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch table alongside dishes like Cream Cheese Salad or Oatmeal Dinner Rolls. Garnish with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

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 single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until they're soft and slightly warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tea Cakes(Grandma Baden'S Recipe) contains roughly 188 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

188 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 37.1g 13% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 266.4mg 12% DV
Potassium 218.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 79.6mg 27% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 138.9mg 11% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it's designed for baking to achieve similar results.

What if I don't have oleo?

If you don't have oleo, you can easily substitute it with unsalted butter. This will provide a richer flavor and slightly different texture, but the result will still be delicious. Just remember to let the butter soften before creaming it with the sugar.

How can I make these tea cakes more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your tea cakes, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic touch. For chocolate lovers, fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist.

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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