Description
Experience the warm, buttery delight of traditional Southern Tea Cakes with this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or as a light dessert, these tender cakes offer a nostalgic taste of Southern hospitality with simple ingredients and quick preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 cup Milk
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients accurately. Soften the butter to room temperature for easy mixing, and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure perfectly baked tea cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning for balanced flavor and proper rise.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer or hand whisk, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes, incorporating air for a tender cake texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add vanilla extract and milk to the creamed butter mixture. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid tough cakes.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the dough into small rounds or drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the Southern Tea Cakes cool on a wire rack to set perfectly and prevent crumbling on first bite.
Notes
- Use softened, room temperature butter for smoother blending and better cake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; combine ingredients just enough to keep cakes tender.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and fluffiness.
- Space tea cakes well on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow even spreading.
- Cool cakes completely on a wire rack to maintain texture and avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea cake (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg