If you’re searching for a delightfully simple, nutty treat to enjoy any time of day, look no further than this Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe. These tender, moist mini cakes boast a delicate almond flavor that pairs perfectly with your afternoon tea, morning coffee, or as a charming dessert. With a wonderfully light crumb enhanced by almond flour and a subtle hint of almond extract, these tea cakes bring warmth and sweetness to your table without fuss or complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Anytime Almond Tea Cakes lies in their simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that soft texture, nutty aroma, and golden hue that make these cakes irresistible.
- Almond flour: Adds a natural nuttiness and moist crumb essential to these tea cakes.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and balance to the texture.
- Baking powder: Ensures a light, tender rise so your cakes bake up fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the subtle flavors, especially the almond notes.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes rich moisture and a silky mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the almond essence.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
- Almond extract: The star flavor, infusing the cakes with that signature almond aroma.
- Milk or almond milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender, complementing the almond flour beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A pretty and sweet dusting to finish your tea cakes with flair.
How to Make Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cakes bake evenly right from the start. Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to make sure the delicate tea cakes slip out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these first evenly distributes the rising agent and salt, which are crucial for the perfect texture and flavor balance in your Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential as it incorporates air, contributing to the soft, tender crumb you’ll love.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Almond Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain an even texture, then mix in the fragrant almond extract. This is where your tea cakes start to develop that unmistakable almond charm that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This technique prevents over-mixing, which can lead to dense cakes, keeping your Anytime Almond Tea Cakes recipe perfectly light and tender.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cakes turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage is absolutely heavenly!
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Let the cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes so they set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish that adds an elegant touch to your Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe.
How to Serve Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, simplicity shines. A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also sprinkle slivered toasted almonds on top for added texture and a beautiful presentation that highlights the almond theme.
Side Dishes
These tea cakes pair wonderfully with subtle sides like fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy tea time, serve alongside your favorite herbal or green tea to complement the almond flavor without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, try serving these cakes with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of jam on the side. You could also create mini cake towers by stacking the tea cakes with layers of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting, perfect for a special occasion or afternoon gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Anytime Almond Tea Cakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their delicate crumb and keeps them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each tea cake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing that wonderful almond flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, simply thaw the tea cakes at room temperature and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their soft texture and aroma, as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
You can use more all-purpose flour instead of almond flour, but the tea cakes won’t have the same moistness and distinctive almond flavor. Almond flour gives these cakes their unique texture and nutty taste.
Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract is what truly defines the flavor profile of this recipe. You can omit it if you prefer, but your tea cakes won’t have that special almond essence that makes this Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe so delightful.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use almond milk or other plant-based milk instead of regular milk. The almond flour and extract keep the flavor intact.
How long do these tea cakes keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to bake a larger batch. Just be sure to use enough muffin tins or bake in batches to give each cake enough space to rise properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade tea cakes, and this Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe brings a wonderful almond twist that makes every bite feel special. Whether you are inviting friends over for tea or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a warm drink, these cakes are an effortless way to brighten your day. Give them a try—you might just discover your new go-to baked treat that never fails to please!
Print
Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Anytime Almond Tea Cakes, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a tender crumb and a subtle almond flavor. These moist, buttery cakes are easy to prepare and ideal for teatime or a light dessert, made with almond flour for a nutty twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup milk (or almond milk)
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper cups to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extract: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the almond extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately mix the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps the batter light.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the tea cakes for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use almond milk to keep the recipe dairy-free and add extra almond flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened to blend smoothly with sugar, ensuring a light texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense cakes.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger batches.
