Name: Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup milk; Sliced almonds for topping; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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There’s something splendidly comforting about a lightly sweet cake that pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of tea. That’s exactly what you get with these Anytime Almond Tea Cakes: a tender, golden loaf brimming with nutty almond flavor and a delicate crumb. Whether you’re looking for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, a charming addition to your brunch spread, or simply a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe is a celebration of homey delights and irresistible aromas.

Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Anytime Almond Tea Cakes is how effortlessly ordinary pantry staples transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient serves a thoughtful purpose, from flavor to texture to that beautiful golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

All-purpose flour: The essential foundation of the cake, giving it structure and a soft, classic crumb.
Almond flour: Adds rich, nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to every bite.
Baking powder: Ensures your tea cakes rise just right, turning them delightfully light.
Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings luxurious richness and moistness—make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s soft, tender crumb.
Almond extract: The key to that signature almond aroma; use a good quality, fresh extract for the full effect.
Milk: Adds just the right amount of moisture, resulting in a perfectly soft cake.
Sliced almonds for topping: Give each slice a beautiful finish and a delightful crunch.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Lends a hint of extra sweetness and a lovely snow-like look for special occasions.

How to Make Anytime Almond Tea Cakes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot by the time your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly—this helps the cake slip right out and keeps every inch beautifully intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only blends the raising agent evenly but also gives a quick lift to the dry components, ensuring a cake with a uniform crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl and hand mixer (or stand mixer if you prefer), cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is the secret behind that melt-in-your-mouth texture—take your time and you’ll see the mixture turn pale and airy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Almond Extract

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter stays emulsified and smooth. Stir in the almond extract; you’ll notice the batter turning fragrant and impossibly inviting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, add the flour mixture and milk to your butter mixture in alternating batches, starting and ending with the dry mix. This gentle back-and-forth keeps the batter supple and prevents overmixing, locking in softness and that lovely, even rise.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter sliced almonds in an even layer across the surface—they’ll toast up gorgeously in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes so it firms up a bit. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling. If you’re feeling fancy, dust with powdered sugar for that irresistible, snowy finish before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Anytime Almond Tea Cakes

Garnishes

For true tea-time elegance, a generous dusting of powdered sugar is hard to beat—it brings a magical, bakery-style look. A few extra toasted sliced almonds or a handful of fresh berries work beautifully for color and texture. You can even add a drizzle of honey if you want something a little special with your Anytime Almond Tea Cakes.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of these tender cakes with a steaming pot of black or green tea, or even a velvety latte for a comforting treat. If you’re hosting brunch, arrange them alongside fresh fruit, clotted cream, or a dollop of whipped ricotta for a pairing that’s subtly sweet and delightfully indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut individual slices into finger-sized bars for a modern, shareable feel, or use a biscuit cutter to press out dainty rounds for a formal tea party. Layer slices with mascarpone and strawberries in parfait glasses for a show-stopping dessert twist. However you slice it, Anytime Almond Tea Cakes are always every bit as lovely in presentation as in flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers stay wonderfully moist for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best flavor, press a piece of parchment over the cut surface to keep the cake tender, and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat.

Freezing

To truly make Anytime Almond Tea Cakes live up to their name, freeze individual slices (well-wrapped in plastic and foil) for up to three months. When cravings strike, just pull out a slice or two, let them come to room temperature, and you’re ready for tea time any day of the week.

Reheating

If you enjoy a warm slice, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For a lightly crisp exterior, toast in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The aroma of freshly warmed almond cake never fails to brighten the day.

FAQs

Can I use only almond flour in this recipe?

This version of Anytime Almond Tea Cakes is best with the blend of all-purpose and almond flour. Using only almond flour would result in a denser, slightly crumbly texture. For the softest crumb, stick with the suggested balance.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you’re out of almond extract, vanilla extract is a fine swap, though you’ll lose some of that distinctive nuttiness. For a twist, try a few drops of orange extract or zest, which pairs surprisingly well with almonds.

Can I add fruit or chocolate?

Absolutely! Fold in a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or mini chocolate chips just before baking. Just don’t overload the batter so the cake stays light and airy.

Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes?

Yes, you can turn Anytime Almond Tea Cakes into charming cupcakes by portioning the batter into lined muffin tins and baking for about 20–25 minutes—perfect for picnics or parties.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you see wet batter on the tester, give it a few more minutes and check again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly satisfying about sharing a warmly scented loaf with friends and family, and these Anytime Almond Tea Cakes promise just that with every golden slice. I hope you’ll whip them up soon—if you’re anything like me, one taste will have you reaching for this recipe every time tea is on the table.

Anytime Almond Tea Cakes Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Anytime Almond Tea Cakes are perfect for a light snack or a delightful treat with tea or coffee. With a tender crumb and a nutty flavor, these cakes are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond 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
1/2 cup milk
Sliced almonds for topping
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a loaf pan.
Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in almond extract. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan, top with sliced almonds, and bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.