Ah, there’s something truly magical about a Christmas afternoon tea! Picture this: the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through your home, the twinkling lights shimmering on the tree, and the laughter of friends and family filling the air. Hosting a Christmas afternoon tea is one of my favorite traditions, where I get to gather my loved ones around a cozy table, sip on fragrant teas, and indulge in a delightful selection of festive treats. It’s all about creating a warm atmosphere and sharing delicious bites that make everyone feel special. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the smiles on their faces as they enjoy every last crumb. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable with a wonderful Christmas afternoon tea!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful Christmas afternoon tea. Gather these ingredients and you’ll be on your way to creating something truly special!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will be the foundation of your cake, giving it that lovely structure. Make sure to sift it if you’re feeling fancy!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for that creamy texture. Leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener will help your cake rise and give it that delightful sweetness we all love.
- 4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs work best here; they’ll blend more easily into your batter.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk is great for moisture, but feel free to use whatever milk you have on hand. Just don’t skip it!
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what will help your cake rise beautifully, so make sure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor—don’t skip this one!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness, trust me on this.
- Assorted teas: Choose your favorites to serve alongside the cake—think classic Earl Grey, fragrant chai, or even herbal blends for variety!
- Seasonal fruits for garnish: Think cranberries, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds. They’ll not only look pretty but also add a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delightful cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive centerpiece for your Christmas afternoon tea in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. So, while you gather your ingredients, let that oven work its magic!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This helps to aerate the flour and distribute the baking powder evenly, which is key for a fluffy cake!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to look pale and have a smooth texture—this is where all that lovely richness starts!
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This method ensures that the eggs incorporate smoothly into the batter, giving you a nice, cohesive mix!
Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time for the fun part! Alternate adding the dry mixture and 1 cup of milk into your butter-egg mixture. Start with a third of the flour mix, then half the milk, and repeat until everything is combined. Mix until just smooth—don’t overdo it, or your cake might turn out dense!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and pair it with your favorite teas and those beautiful seasonal fruits. Trust me, your guests will love this festive treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas afternoon tea is not just about the cake; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Festive Atmosphere: The delightful aroma of baking fills your home with holiday cheer, making it the perfect backdrop for gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this cake, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
- Perfectly Moist: The combination of butter and milk ensures a rich, moist cake that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors or add different seasonal fruits to suit your taste.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it an ideal treat for holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Pairs Beautifully with Tea: Choose your favorite teas to complement the cake, creating a lovely afternoon tea experience.
- Memorable Moments: Sharing this cake with friends and family fosters warmth and joy, creating lasting holiday memories.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas afternoon tea cake turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps them blend together seamlessly, resulting in a smoother batter. Also, don’t rush the creaming process—beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this is key for a tender cake!
When alternating your dry ingredients with milk, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it fluffy! And here’s a little secret: if you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into your batter for that holiday aroma. Finally, let the cake cool completely before slicing—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy every bite of your delightful creation!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Christmas afternoon tea cake! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep things exciting:
- Citrus Burst: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the festive season.
- Berry Delight: Swap out seasonal fruits for a mix of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. They’ll add a pop of color and a lovely tartness!
- Spiced Version: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into your batter for that cozy holiday vibe. Just a teaspoon of each will do wonders!
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery cake.
- Nuts Galore: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They add texture and a lovely nutty flavor that’s perfect for the season.
- Fancy Frosting: Consider topping your cake with a light cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish that looks as good as it tastes.
These variations can bring a whole new dimension to your Christmas afternoon tea, making it even more special for your guests. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Nutritional Information
While I love sharing recipes, I want to remind you that nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, take these numbers as a general guide rather than precise values. Here’s what you can expect per slice of this delightful cake:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These values can help you plan your holiday treats, but remember to enjoy every bite without worry! After all, it’s all about celebrating the season with good food and great company!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, slice it and enjoy with your favorite teas for a delightful Christmas afternoon tea!
What types of tea pair well with this cake?
I love serving this cake with classic Earl Grey or a cozy chai. Herbal teas, like peppermint or chamomile, are also fantastic choices. The key is to pick teas that complement the sweetness of the cake!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Your Christmas afternoon tea will still be a hit!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I freeze the cake?
Definitely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying them again at your next festive gathering!
Christmas Afternoon Tea: 7 Ways to Create Magic
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delightful Christmas afternoon tea featuring a selection of festive treats.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Assorted teas
- Seasonal fruits for garnish
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
- Prepare assorted teas and arrange fruits for garnish.
Uwagi
- Serve with clotted cream and jam.
- Use seasonal fruits like cranberries and oranges.
- Choose a variety of teas for guests.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: British
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 38g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: Christmas afternoon tea, festive treats, holiday baking
