Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes

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Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes have been a beloved family recipe for generations. These dainty, delicate, and delicious tea cakes are the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon tea party or a simple gathering with loved ones.

As we gather around the table, sharing stories and savoring these delightful treats, we can’t help but feel transported back to the Victorian era, where tea time was a cherished daily ritual.

With their lightly sweet, buttery flavor and tender, crumbly texture, these tea cakes are truly irresistible. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, using just a few simple ingredients and a bit of love.

One of the secrets to Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes’ exquisite taste is the use of high-quality butter. Be sure to select a premium, unsalted butter that will impart a rich, luxurious flavor to your tea cakes.

Another key element in creating these delectable tea cakes is the use of fine granulated sugar. This type of sugar lends a subtle sweetness and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply divine.

Of course, the star of the show in these tea cakes is the fragrant, floral essence of rosewater. Rosewater adds an elegant, sophisticated touch that elevates these simple cakes into something truly extraordinary.

When preparing Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes, be sure to take your time, savoring each step of the process. The gentle folding of the ingredients, the delicate shaping of the dough, and the slow, even baking are all part of the charm and magic of these delightful treats.

As the tea cakes bake, your home will be filled with a sweet, buttery aroma that is sure to entice and enchant. Once they’re finished baking, allow them to cool slightly before indulging in their heavenly taste.

Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes are the perfect addition to any tea party or gathering. Serve them alongside a pot of your favorite tea, such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or Darjeeling. To complete the experience, arrange an assortment of finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and other dainty treats to create a truly memorable occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to don your finest apron, put on your favorite music, and embark on a delightful journey to the past with Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes. Enjoy!

Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes

Course: DessertCuisine: English
Servings

16

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

150

kcal

Delightful and dainty Victorian-inspired tea cakes perfect for afternoon tea.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup fine granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon rosewater

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and rosewater, and mix well.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each tea cake.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the tea cakes to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Serve with your favorite tea or coffee and enjoy.

Notes

  • Experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter.
  • These tea cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For a festive touch, dust the cooled tea cakes with powdered sugar before serving.

Aunt Lily’s Victorian Tea Cakes pair wonderfully with a variety of hot beverages, such as Earl Grey tea, English Breakfast tea, or a classic cup of coffee. They also make a delightful addition to an afternoon tea spread, accompanied by finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of macarons or petit fours. The delicate rosewater flavor and tender crumb of these tea cakes provide the perfect balance to the savory and sweet offerings found in a traditional afternoon tea.

Jamie Anderson
Jamie Anderson
Hey there! I'm Jamie Anderson. Born and raised in the heart of New York City, I've always had this crazy love for food and the stories behind it. I like to share everything from those "Aha!" cooking moments to deeper dives into what's really happening in the food world. Whether you're here for a trip down culinary memory lane, some kitchen hacks, or just curious about your favorite eateries, I hope you find something delightful!

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