Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
Cooking Process:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Garnishing
– Dust the top of the cooled tea cake with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
– Arrange fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the cake for a burst of color and flavor.
– Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness and tanginess.
Notes and Tips:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and better texture.
2. Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.
Mix the batter until just combined to achieve a light and fluffy cake.
3. Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to the batter enhances the flavor of the tea cake with a subtle citrusy note. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a plain cake.
4. Baking Time: Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
5. Cooling the Cake: Allowing the cake to cool completely before slicing ensures that it maintains its structure and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.