southern old fashioned tea cake recipe

The Best southern old fashioned tea cake recipe

I’ve been making Southern-style old-fashioned tea cakes for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. These tender, sweet treats are a staple of Southern baking, and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix together some basic ingredients, shape the dough into little cakes, and bake until golden brown. The result is a moist, fluffy cake that’s perfect for snacking on the go or serving at a family gathering.

My kids love helping me mix the batter and shape the cakes into little balls – it’s a fun activity that teaches them about measuring and following directions in the kitchen. And when we serve these tea cakes at our family gatherings, everyone raves about how delicious they are.

I’ve even had guests request the recipe so they can make them at home. The secret to these tea cakes is using buttermilk instead of regular milk – it gives them a tangy flavor and a tender crumb that’s just irresistible.

I also like to add in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor. And let’s not forget the icing – a simple powdered sugar glaze is all you need to take these tea cakes from good to great.

I like to serve them at our holiday gatherings, but they’re also perfect for everyday snacks or as a special treat for your kids’ lunchboxes.

Southern Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

4.7 from 1334 votes

A classic Southern treat perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet snack. These tea cakes are soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Topping

powdered sugar for dusting

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set aside.
3In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7Stir in vanilla extract.
8Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
9Mix just until combined.
10Do not overmix.
11The batter will be thick.
12Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
13Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
14Do not overbake.
15The centers should be soft and slightly underdone.
16Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
17Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
18Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sifter

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a lemon twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a spiced variation.

Watch Video Of How Southern Old Fashioned Tea Cakes Works

These Southern-style old-fashioned tea cakes are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, as a special treat for your kids’ lunchboxes, or just because. They’re also incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen tea cakes, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or microwave them until warm. And if you want to get fancy, try drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar glaze.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

What is the origin of the Old Fashioned Tea Cake?

The Old Fashioned Tea Cake is a classic Southern recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. It originated in the American South, where it was a popular treat to accompany afternoon tea. The recipe has evolved over time, but it remains a staple in many Southern households today.

What ingredients are needed for this recipe?

The key ingredients for an Old Fashioned Tea Cake include flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder. These simple ingredients come together to create a moist and tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

What is the key technique for making this cake?

The key technique for making an Old Fashioned Tea Cake involves creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps to create a light and airy texture. After creaming the butter and sugar, the eggs are added one at a time, followed by the dry ingredients and vanilla extract.

Can this recipe be made healthier?

While the Old Fashioned Tea Cake is already a healthier option compared to store-bought pastries, there are a few ways to make it even healthier. You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using applesauce or mashed bananas instead of butter can add moisture and reduce the fat content.

How should the cake be stored?

The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you need to store it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can this cake be made in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to serve it within a few days, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Similar Posts