There’s something truly magical about a *Christmas afternoon tea*. It’s not just about the delightful treats; it’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and creating memories. I remember my grandmother hosting these lovely tea parties, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the house, and the table was adorned with beautiful decorations. Each bite was a reminder of the warmth of the season. The unique charm of afternoon tea during the holidays is that it brings everyone together, whether you’re nibbling on a slice of cake or sipping on your favorite tea. Trust me, this festive tradition will surely make your holiday gatherings even more special!
Ingredients for Christmas Afternoon Tea
To whip up this delightful spread for your festive *Christmas afternoon tea*, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Start with 2 cups of all-purpose flour to provide the perfect base. Next, grab 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to create that rich texture we all love. You’ll also need 1 cup of sugar for sweetness, and 4 large eggs to bind everything together. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of baking powder to help your cake rise beautifully. A touch of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth, while 1/2 teaspoon of salt balances the flavors. Finally, prepare some assorted teas and fresh fruits for garnish, along with jam and cream to serve alongside your delicious cake!
How to Prepare Christmas Afternoon Tea
Getting ready for your *Christmas afternoon tea* is a joyful process, and I can’t wait to guide you through it! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a well-preheated oven ensures your cake rises perfectly!
Preheat and Cream
While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar. You want to mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s my favorite part; the smell of butter and sugar is just divine!
Mix Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow that with 1/2 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will make the batter rich and flavorful, not to mention it smells heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure it’s well combined—this helps your cake rise evenly!
Combine Mixtures and Bake
Now it’s time to combine! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the moment to prepare your tea, jam, and cream! Serve slices of your delightful cake alongside, and enjoy this festive treat with loved ones. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for a slice of this delicious cake from your *Christmas afternoon tea*. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, with 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. It also has about 12g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect as you enjoy this festive treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It brings a festive spirit to your holiday gatherings.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Delicious flavors that everyone will adore.
- Great for sharing with friends and family.
- Customizable with your favorite fruits and jams.
- Creates beautiful memories over a cup of tea.
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas afternoon tea* truly shine, here are some pro tips I swear by! First, consider using fresh seasonal fruits for garnish, like cranberries or citrus slices, to add a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive twist. You can also adjust the sugar based on your taste—if you prefer a less sweet cake, feel free to cut back a bit. Finally, let your cake cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its moisture and texture. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *Christmas afternoon tea* experience, consider serving an assortment of delightful accompaniments! Freshly brewed assorted teas are a must—think classic black, soothing chamomile, or spicy chai for variety. Pair your cake with a selection of jams like strawberry or raspberry, and don’t forget the whipped cream for that extra indulgence! For a festive touch, add some seasonal fruits like mandarin slices or pomegranate seeds to your platter. These little additions will truly enhance your holiday gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas afternoon tea* cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply remove the cake from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer it warm, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy that freshly baked taste all over again!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your *Christmas afternoon tea* turns out! Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or your favorite memories associated with this festive tradition. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback not only warms my heart but also helps others enjoy this delightful holiday treat just like you did. Happy baking and cheers to wonderful gatherings!
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Christmas Afternoon Tea: 7 Ways to Create Joyful Memories
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful spread for a festive Christmas afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Assorted teas
- Fresh fruits for garnish
- Jam and cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
- Serve with tea, jam, and cream.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for garnish.
- Adjust sugar based on preference.
- Consider adding spices like cinnamon for flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Tea
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: christmas afternoon tea
