Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly moist, delicately crumbed cake that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also caters to your gluten-free dietary needs. This British-inspired afternoon tea cake is a game-changer for those who thought they had to compromise on taste and texture. Whether you're gluten-intolerant or simply looking for a delicious alternative, this recipe will transport you to a cozy tea room with its irresistible aroma and heavenly flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. The batter should be smooth and have a consistent texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired. Serve and enjoy your gluten-free afternoon tea cake!
Tips
- Always use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to ensure the best texture and taste.
- Sifting dry ingredients is crucial for gluten-free baking to prevent lumps and create a smoother batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better incorporation and a more uniform mixture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting or powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to complement the vanilla.
- If the cake seems dry, brush with a light simple syrup before serving to add moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
