Lemon tea cakes recipe are small, individually-sized cakes that are infused with the bright and tangy flavour of lemons.
They typically have a light and fluffy texture, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. The cakes are often flavoured with lemon juice and zest, giving them a refreshing citrusy taste.
Lemon tea cakes recipe can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar, and they make a delightful treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea gatherings to special celebrations.
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for novice bakers. It comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for those days when you want a sweet treat but don’t have a ton of time.
How To Prepare Lemon Tea Cakes Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 cakes
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Let’s Go How To Bake!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delightful lemon tea cakes:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I love using an electric mixer for this step, but a good old-fashioned whisk works just fine too!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Dry Ingredients Make Their Entrance
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to over mix, or your cakes will become tough.
5. Zest it Up!
Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest. The zest is what truly elevates these cakes with its intense citrus aroma.
6. Milk it Does
Finally, add the milk and stir until the batter is smooth and pour able.
7. Baking Time!
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cupcake liners. Fill them about ¾ of the way full. Pop those beauties in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. Dust with Delight (Optional)
For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled cakes with powdered sugar before serving.
Special Note
When baking, always use fresh ingredients for the best results. Fresh lemons, eggs, and high-quality butter make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your tea cakes.
Nutritional Value Lemon Tea Cakes Recipe
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 200 |
Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 5g |
Cholesterol | 50mg |
Sodium | 80mg |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Sugar | 15g |
Protein | 2g |
Variations To Try
1. Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients for a delightful crunch and extra visual appeal.
2. Lemon Blueberry Tea Cakes: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
3. Lemon Lavender Tea Cakes: Infuse the buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender for a floral note that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon tea cakes are perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
They make a charming addition to brunch spreads, adding a bright, sweet flavour that complements savoy dishes.
These cakes are also a hit at dessert tables, offering a light and refreshing option amidst richer desserts. Their vibrant flavour and tender texture are sure to bring joy to any gathering.
How To Add More Lemon Flavour To Cake?
Adding more lemon flavour to a cake can enhance its testiness and make it more vibrant. Here are five ideas to achieve that:
1. Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest directly into the cake batter. The zest contains essential oils that pack a punch of lemon flavour without adding extra liquid.
2. Lemon Juice: Replace some or all of the liquid in the recipe with fresh lemon juice. This adds acidity and intensifies the lemon flavour. Be cautious not to add too much as it can affect the cake’s texture.
3. Lemon Extract: Use lemon extract as an additional flavouring alongside vanilla extract. It’s highly concentrated and adds a strong lemon essence to the cake.
4. Lemon Syrup: After baking, brush a warm cake with a simple syrup made from lemon juice and sugar. This infuses the cake with moisture and extra lemon flavour.
5. Lemon Glaze: Top the cake with a tangy lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. This not only adds flavour but also creates a glossy finish that enhances the cake’s appearance and taste.
Storing Your Lemon Tea Cakes
Lemon tea cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to enhance your lemon tea cakes recipe with zest, juice, extract, syrup, or glaze, each method offers a distinct way to infuse your creation with citrusy brightness.
Experimenting with these techniques allows you to tailor the intensity and character of lemon flavour to suit any occasion, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations.
Embrace the versatility of lemon and enjoy the trans formative power it brings to your baking endeavours. With these insights and techniques at hand, you’re poised to create lemon cakes that captivate both the palate and the imagination.
Happy baking!
Lemon Tea Cakes Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick
Ingredients
- 1 stick 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I love using an electric mixer for this step, but a good old-fashioned whisk works just fine too!
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Dry Ingredients Make Their Entrance
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to over mix, or your cakes will become tough.
Zest it Up!
- Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest. The zest is what truly elevates these cakes with its intense citrus aroma.
Milk it Does
- Finally, add the milk and stir until the batter is smooth and pour able.
Baking Time!
- Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cupcake liners. Fill them about ¾ of the way full. Pop those beauties in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack.
Dust with Delight (Optional)
- For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled cakes with powdered sugar before serving.