When you’re looking for a simple yet delicious cake to enjoy with a cup of tea, the Quick and Delicious Cake for Tea is the perfect choice. This cake is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a light, fluffy texture that will impress anyone. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or in need of a quick treat for your family, this cake is a reliable go-to. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a delightful cake that pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this cake, provide some useful tips for success, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you get the best results.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Success
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients. These simple pantry staples will make up your cake, and the beauty of this recipe lies in how versatile and easy it is to prepare.
- 3 eggs: Eggs serve as the base of this cake, helping to provide structure, moisture, and richness. They also help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- 1 glass (200 ml) sugar: Sugar sweetens the cake and plays a role in achieving the soft, light crumb. It also helps with the overall rise of the cake.
- 1 glass (200 ml) milk: The milk adds moisture to the cake and ensures a smooth batter. You can use any type of milk you prefer, including whole, skim, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- 100 ml vegetable oil: This oil keeps the cake moist and gives it a tender texture, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. It also helps the batter mix smoothly.
- 350 grams flour: Flour provides the structure of the cake. For a lighter texture, it’s a good idea to sift the flour before measuring.
- 10 grams baking powder: This leavening agent is what makes the cake rise and become fluffy. It’s essential for achieving a light, airy texture.
- 1 gram vanillin: This is a vanilla flavoring that enhances the cake’s taste. You can also use vanilla extract if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (+ 2 tablespoons of water): The cocoa powder gives the cake a rich chocolate flavor. Mixing it with water creates a paste that blends seamlessly into the batter.
- Butter for greasing the mold: Greasing the baking pan ensures that the cake won’t stick. You can also use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A preheated oven ensures that your cake bakes evenly and helps it rise properly, so be sure to let your oven come to temperature before you start baking.
2. Prepare the Batter
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and frothy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a fluffy cake.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the milk and vegetable oil to the egg mixture. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and vanillin. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that no lumps remain and helps the cake become light and airy. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
3. Prepare the Cocoa Paste
- Mix Cocoa with Water: In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste. This paste will ensure that the cocoa is evenly incorporated into the batter without any lumps.
- Fold the Cocoa Paste into the Batter: Gently fold the cocoa paste into a portion of the batter to create a marbled effect. If you prefer a fully chocolate cake, you can mix the cocoa paste into the entire batter. The swirling of the cocoa paste will create a beautiful pattern throughout the cake.
4. Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your baking pan with butter to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use any pan you have on hand; a round or square pan works well. If you prefer, you can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal.
Depending on the size of your pan, the baking time may vary. For a thicker cake, use a smaller pan, and for a thinner cake, opt for a larger pan.
5. Pour and Bake
- Pour the Batter: Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the top.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Keep in mind that baking times may vary depending on your oven and pan size, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
- Optional Garnish: Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or add frosting if desired. However, this cake is delicious on its own, so feel free to enjoy it as is.
Tips for Success
- Mix Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. The cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Customize the Flavor: You can add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to the batter for a personalized touch.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, milk, and flour will make a difference in the final texture and flavor of your cake. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth results.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep the cake moist and fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Let the cake thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use alternatives such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the texture and flavor of the cake.
2. Can I use a non-dairy milk instead of regular milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond, oat, or soy milk as a substitute for regular milk. The cake will still turn out delicious and moist.
3. How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
For a richer chocolate flavor, add extra cocoa powder or fold in some chocolate chips into the batter. You can also frost the cake with chocolate ganache or whipped chocolate frosting.
4. Can I add fruit to the cake?
Yes, you can fold in berries, chopped apples, or bananas into the batter for added flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as fruit can add extra moisture.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is done. If the toothpick comes out wet, the cake needs more time.
Conclusion
This Quick and Delicious Cake for Tea is the perfect treat for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can bake a light, fluffy, and flavorful cake that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea. Whether you’re hosting a small tea party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this cake will be sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The versatility of the recipe allows you to add your own twist by incorporating different flavors or mix-ins, making it easy to customize for any occasion.
Enjoy baking, and we hope this cake becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!