Hey there, friend: these Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes bring the coziest vibes straight from Grandma’s kitchen, where buttery dough meets tender crumb and a sweet sugar sparkle dances on every golden edge. Each bite melts like sunshine, with hints of vanilla warmth and buttery richness that swirl across your taste buds. They’re so easy to whip up—just creamed butter, sugar, and soft eggs come together in minutes before an afternoon bake. Serve them warm alongside a steaming mug of your favourite herbal brew or chilled lemonade, and watch smiles bloom around the table with every melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Trust me, you’re going to love the melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- This one’s a game-changer for your afternoon tea parties.
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip these up anytime!
- They’re perfect for sharing, or keeping all to yourself!
- Each bite is a sweet taste of Southern tradition.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | Southern |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 18 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 38 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 24 |
| Best Served | Warm with tea or coffee! |
Ingredients
Gather these delightful ingredients for a taste of Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes!
- 1¾ cups white sugar – for sweetness
- 1 cup butter – softened for creaminess
- 2 large eggs – helps bind the dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of the dough
- 1 tsp baking powder – for leavening
- ½ tsp salt – enhances flavor
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – adds warmth
- ¼ cup milk – for moisture
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Get ready to bake some delightful Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 15–18 minutes, and a cooling time of 5 minutes, you’ll have these sweet treats ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix!
Step 6: Fill Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for the perfect rise.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Cool the tea cakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious treats!
Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Chill your butter for easier creaming with sugar.
- Use fresh eggs for a richer flavor and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with adding vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist.
How to Serve this Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea.
- Serve alongside a fruit compote for a refreshing twist.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Use as a base for mini desserts topped with berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this delightful treat ahead of time and store it with ease:
Storing Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes Leftovers
- Allow tea cakes to cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Wrap each tea cake in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped cakes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place tea cakes on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea for the best experience!
Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
Equipment
- 1 Muffin Tin Greased to prevent sticking
- 1 Large Bowl For mixing ingredients
- 1 Whisk For mixing dry ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups white sugar for sweetness
- 1 cup butter softened for creaminess
- 2 large eggs helps bind the dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour the foundation of the dough
- 1 tsp baking powder for leavening
- ½ tsp salt enhances flavor
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract adds warmth
- ¼ cup milk for moisture
Instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix!
- Step 6: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full for the perfect rise.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool the tea cakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious treats!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 22g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of sugar for Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes?
Absolutely! While white sugar is traditional, you can substitute it with brown sugar for a richer flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture and color of the cookies may vary slightly depending on the sugar you choose.
2. What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Both will work well, but make sure to melt the coconut oil before mixing it in. This will help achieve a similar texture to traditional butter in your tea cakes.
3. How can I ensure my tea cakes are soft and not dry?
To keep your tea cakes soft, be careful not to overmix the dough and avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden. They will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being taken out, which helps maintain their softness.
4. Can I add flavors or mix-ins to my tea cakes?
Definitely! Feel free to add vanilla extract, almond extract, or even lemon zest for a twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your tea cakes to your liking. Just be mindful of the additional moisture from wet ingredients to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes to bring back sweet memories! These delightful treats are not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the deliciousness together. Trust me, every bite will take you back to those cherished moments!