Oh, there’s just something magical about hosting a Christmas afternoon tea! Picture this: the aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through your home, a table adorned with delightful treats, and laughter filling the air as loved ones gather to celebrate the holiday season. This Christmas afternoon tea is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together, creating cherished memories. I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe that’s sure to elevate your festive gathering! With a delightful spread that includes a scrumptious cake and assorted teas, you’ll leave your guests raving about the flavors long after the last crumb has been enjoyed. Trust me, this is the kind of treat that makes the holiday spirit shine even brighter!
Ingredients for Christmas Afternoon Tea
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- Assorted teas of your choice (Earl Grey, chamomile, or peppermint work wonderfully!)
- Fresh seasonal fruit for garnish (think berries, citrus slices, or pomegranate seeds)
How to Prepare Christmas Afternoon Tea
Getting ready for your Christmas afternoon tea is where the fun really begins! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks festive on your table. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, let’s get mixing!
Preheat and Mix
In a large mixing bowl, I start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that lovely texture! You’ll want to make sure there are no lumps, so take your time with this. Once that’s done, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and don’t forget to stir in that wonderful vanilla extract. Your kitchen will start to smell delightful already!
Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl for the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt together. I like to whisk them together to make sure they’re evenly mixed—this helps the cake rise beautifully! Once that’s done, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. It’s best to start and end with the dry ingredients to keep the batter smooth and lump-free!
Bake and Cool
Pour your batter into a greased cake pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, but remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when the cake is ready. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step is key because it helps prevent your cake from getting soggy. After it’s completely cool, it’s time to slice and serve with those lovely teas and fresh fruit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation means you can whip this up in no time!
- The festive flavors of butter and vanilla bring warmth to your holiday gathering.
- This cake is a showstopper, sure to impress your guests with its delightful taste and beautiful presentation.
- It pairs perfectly with a variety of teas, making it a versatile addition to any afternoon tea spread.
- Fresh fruit garnishes add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Christmas afternoon tea cake, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—it should be at room temperature, not melted. This helps create that perfect, fluffy texture. Also, don’t skip the whisking of the dry ingredients; it ensures an even rise! If you want to mix things up, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a twist or some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. And remember, if your cake dome rises too much, just trim it flat before serving for a polished look!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for a slice of this delightful Christmas afternoon tea cake. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this treat guilt-free as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you want to experiment, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit.
What teas pair best with this cake?
I love serving this cake with Earl Grey or chamomile for a lovely balance. But honestly, any tea you enjoy will complement the flavors beautifully!
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Sure! A light cream cheese frosting would be delicious if you want to dress it up a bit. Just keep it light to maintain that afternoon tea vibe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake it a day in advance, just cool it completely and store it wrapped. It’ll taste great the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Christmas afternoon tea cake is ready, let’s talk about how to elevate that festive spread! Pair your delightful cake with a selection of teas—Earl Grey is a personal favorite for its floral notes, but don’t overlook soothing chamomile or invigorating peppermint. To really impress your guests, consider adding some freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, or a few buttery pastries. They add a lovely variety to your tea table and make for a more indulgent experience. And remember, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits not only enhances the visuals but also lightens up the sweetness of the cake. Enjoy every moment of your tea party!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas afternoon tea cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it; it can last up to a week this way. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you can simply let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you’ll lose that lovely moist texture!
Imprimer
Christmas Afternoon Tea: 5 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delightful spread for a Christmas afternoon tea.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- Assorted teas
- Fresh fruit for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and serve with assorted teas and fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for garnish.
- Pair with various types of tea.
- Consider adding scones or pastries for variety.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: British
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: Christmas afternoon tea, holiday tea, festive recipes
