Best Tea Cake Recipe: Your Afternoon Delight Awaits!

Is there anything quite as comforting as a warm slice of tea cake alongside a steaming cup of tea? This simple yet elegant treat has been a staple in homes for generations, offering a delightful combination of buttery richness and delicate sweetness. But not all tea cake recipes are created equal. Some are dry, some are bland, and some just don’t quite capture that perfect balance of flavors and textures. That’s why we’re thrilled to share what we believe is truly the best tea cake recipe – one that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

This recipe has been meticulously tested and tweaked to ensure a moist, tender crumb, a subtle hint of vanilla, and a beautiful golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated afternoon tea party, looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with your family, or simply craving a comforting treat, this tea cake will deliver every time. Get ready to experience tea cake perfection!

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this tea cake recipe stand out from the crowd? It all comes down to a few key factors:

• The Right Fat: We use a combination of butter and oil. Butter provides that classic, rich flavor, while oil contributes to the cake’s moistness and keeps it tender for longer.
• Creaming Technique: Properly creaming the butter and sugar together is crucial. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
• Gentle Mixing: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. We emphasize gentle mixing to ensure a tender crumb.
• Perfect Baking Time: Baking the cake at the right temperature for the right amount of time is essential to prevent it from drying out. We’ve tested this recipe extensively to determine the optimal baking parameters.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this tea cake. It relies on simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use a baking spray with flour.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Add oil: Gradually pour in the vegetable oil, mixing until just combined.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. It’s okay if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.
7. Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown.
9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and serve: Once cooled, slice the tea cake into squares or rectangles and serve with your favorite tea or coffee.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your tea cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature. This will help them combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
• Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This will prevent it from crumbling.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to this tea cake recipe. Some popular options include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or citrus zest.

Storage Instructions

To keep your tea cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake completely before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can, but you’ll need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?

A: Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil or sunflower oil.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum.

Q: My tea cake is dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry tea cake. Make sure you’re checking for doneness with a wooden skewer and removing the cake from the oven as soon as it’s done. Also, be sure you’re not overmixing the batter.

Q: Can I add a glaze to this tea cake?

A: Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or a lemon glaze would be delicious on this tea cake.

Conclusion

This tea cake recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. With its moist, tender crumb, subtle vanilla flavor, and easy-to-follow instructions, this tea cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the best tea cake you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!