There’s something truly magical about gathering with loved ones for a *Christmas afternoon tea*. It’s not just about the delightful treats; it’s about the warmth, laughter, and stories shared around the table. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked goodies filling the air, the vibrant colors of festive decorations, and the clinking of teacups as everyone savors each bite. My favorite part is seeing the joy on everyone’s faces as they indulge in the sweet flavors of the season. Trust me, this tradition brings us closer together, creating memories that we cherish year after year. Let’s dive into making your own festive spread!
Ingredients for Christmas Afternoon Tea
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great!)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare Christmas Afternoon Tea
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’s important, trust me! While it’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. You want to mix it until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Just imagine how delicious that buttery, sweet aroma will be wafting through your kitchen!
Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add those eggs—one at a time. Make sure you mix well after each addition; you want everything to come together beautifully. After that, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until it’s all smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Take your time here; I like to do it in thirds to avoid a flour explosion! Finally, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and nuts with a spatula. You want to keep it gentle so you don’t deflate that lovely mixture!
Bake the Mixture
Alright, it’s showtime! Pour the batter into a greased pan, spreading it evenly so it bakes beautifully. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, and get ready for some smiles!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season!
- Perfectly easy to make, even for those who might not be seasoned bakers.
- Deliciously moist and packed with cranberries and nuts, adding delightful flavors and textures.
- Ideal for sharing—this recipe yields 12 servings, making it great for gatherings with family and friends.
- It can be prepared a day ahead, allowing you to enjoy the company without the stress.
- Dusting with powdered sugar gives it a beautiful, snowy finish that’s oh-so-festive!
- Versatile enough to pair with your favorite tea or coffee, enhancing the whole afternoon tea experience.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly, creating a lovely texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you have an oven thermometer, use it to ensure your oven is set to the right temperature for accurate baking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries and nuts for your favorite mix-ins. Chocolate chips or orange zest can add a delightful twist!
- Presentation is Key: For that extra festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh sprigs of holly or arranging slices on a pretty platter before serving.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *Christmas afternoon tea*, the right accompaniments can elevate the whole experience! I love to serve this delightful cake alongside a steaming pot of my favorite tea—think a robust English Breakfast or a fragrant Earl Grey. The warmth of the tea pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, creating a cozy atmosphere.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not whip up a batch of spiced apple cider? It adds a lovely holiday flair and complements the flavors beautifully. You could also offer some freshly brewed coffee for those who prefer a little caffeine kick with their sweets.
Don’t forget to include a selection of additional festive treats! Miniature scones with clotted cream and jam, or delicate finger sandwiches filled with cucumber and cream cheese, are always a hit. And for something extra special, consider adding some homemade gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark to the mix. Trust me, these little touches will make your *Christmas afternoon tea* unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful *Christmas afternoon tea* treat! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect per slice:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is a lovely indulgence, perfect for those festive moments. Just remember, it’s all about balance—enjoy every bite while savoring the season!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can experiment with whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit!
How can I make this cake more festive?
Oh, there are so many ways! You can add some festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. A splash of orange zest also brings a lovely holiday flavor. And don’t forget about those pretty decorations—think edible glitter or candied fruits on top!
What if I don’t have cranberries?
No worries at all! You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins, chopped apricots, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Each option brings its own unique flavor!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this cake suitable for a vegan diet?
While this recipe isn’t vegan, you can make substitutions like using flax eggs instead of regular eggs and plant-based butter. The texture will be a little different, but it can still be a delicious option!
Christmas Afternoon Tea: 7 Joyful Recipes to Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive Christmas afternoon tea with delightful treats.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tea or coffee.
- Decorate with festive sprigs of holly.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: British
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: christmas afternoon tea, festive tea, holiday treats
