What is Tea Cake?
Tea cake is a type of sweet pastry or bread, which can be flavored with tea or other ingredients such as spices and dried fruits. It’s sometimes served with a cup of tea and also makes an excellent snack or dessert. Tea cakes come in many varieties, from traditional recipes to modern interpretations.
History of Tea Cake
Tea cake has a long history going back to the 15th century. In the Netherlands, a sweet bread called “beschuit” was served with tea. In 16th century England, cakes and sweetened breads were served with tea. In the 19th century, American and English recipes called for a light sweet bread that would be served with tea.
Ingredients
Generally, tea cakes consist of staple baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. To add a tea-inspired flavor, you might use a tea-infused syrup or brewed tea in the batter. Additional ingredients may include nuts, dried or fresh fruits, or spices.
Types of Tea Cake
Tea cake comes in many varieties. Some popular recipes include:
- Lemon Tea Cake: A classic tea cake made with lemon juice, zest, and powdered sugar for a tangy and sweet flavor.
- Chocolate Tea Cake: This tea cake combines cocoa powder and melted chocolate for a rich, decadent flavor.
- Spice Cake: A spice cake incorporates various spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, for a punch of flavor.
- Olive Oil Cake: An olive oil tea cake adds an herby aroma and a moist texture.
- Fruit Cake: A fruit tea cake calls for dried or fresh fruits, such as raisins or apricots, as an additional ingredient.
Serving Tea Cake
Tea cake is best served fresh from the oven, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Tea cake can be warmed up slightly in the oven or served with a dollop of cream or ice cream. You can also drizzle the top of the cake with icing sugar for a sweet finish.
