Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to bake—this Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake! The moment you take it out of the oven, the rich aroma of treacle fills your kitchen, and I swear, it’s like a warm hug. This cake is a delightful nod to British cuisine, perfect for any afternoon tea or cozy gathering. The hint of lemon adds a bright touch that balances the deep, sweet flavor of the treacle perfectly. I love serving it with a steaming cup of tea, and trust me, it’s a slice of happiness that you’ll want to share with everyone. Baking this cake is not just about the taste; it’s about creating memories, too!
Ingredients for Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake. You’ll find that each one plays a key role in achieving that rich flavor and delightful texture!
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g brown sugar, packed
- 100g treacle
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. And don’t skip the lemon zest—it’s what brings that lovely brightness to the cake!
How to Prepare Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—baking your very own Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone will love. Remember, patience is key, so take your time and enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This gives your oven time to get nice and hot, which is essential for a perfect bake!
- While that’s heating up, grease and line a cake tin. I like to use parchment paper for easy removal later. No one wants a cake disaster!
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, it makes a big difference in texture!
- Next, add in the treacle, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix everything well until it’s beautifully combined. The treacle gives it that rich color and flavor, and the lemon lifts it up!
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake tender!
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy; it’ll bake up just fine.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell is going to be heavenly!
- Once baked, let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off here, my friend!
And there you have it! A simple yet delightful process that leads to an amazing cake. Enjoy every moment, and get ready for that first heavenly slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers!
- Deliciously rich flavor from the treacle, with a refreshing hint of lemon that brightens every bite.
- Perfectly pairs with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings.
- Great for sharing with friends and family—everyone will want a slice of this delightful cake!
- It’s a classic British dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any occasion.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, making it a convenient bake!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake turns out perfectly? Here are my top tips to help you achieve that delicious, moist cake every time!
- Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality treacle and fresh eggs. The richness of the treacle really shines through, and fresh eggs will give your cake the best rise.
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This helps create that light, fluffy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Cooling Matters: Letting your cake cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its shape and prevents it from sticking.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra zing, consider adding a bit of lemon zest into the icing if you decide to top your cake. It compliments the treacle beautifully!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking a cake that’s not just good, but absolutely spectacular! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked your scrumptious Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake, let’s talk about how to store those tempting leftovers! First off, make sure your cake is completely cooled before storing it. This helps prevent any sogginess and keeps it fresh for longer.
To store, wrap your cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it can last for about a week. Just remember, the flavor gets even better as it sits!
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), and you want to freeze it, slice the cake first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend gently warming a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, you’ll bring back that lovely softness without drying it out. Enjoy it warm, maybe with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of icing sugar for a little extra indulgence!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional details of your slice of Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving, so you can enjoy your cake while keeping an eye on what’s in it. Remember, these figures are based on typical values and can vary depending on your specific ingredients!
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Now you can indulge without the guilt—just remember to savor every bite of that delightful cake! Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQ About Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake
Got questions about this delicious Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my trusty answers to help you bake the best cake ever.
Can I substitute treacle with something else?
If you can’t find treacle, you can use molasses as a substitute. It will give a similar richness, but the flavor might be slightly different. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit less sweet, so you may want to adjust the sugar slightly!
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
No fresh lemons? No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice, but I always recommend using fresh if possible for that bright, zesty flavor. If you’re in a pinch, just use about 1 tablespoon of bottled juice for this recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm, and you won’t miss the gluten at all!
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix things up a bit. You could add some chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins for an extra bite. A pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon can also add a lovely warmth to the cake!
How should I serve this cake?
This cake is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a dollop of clotted cream or a light dusting of icing sugar for a little sweetness. Pair it with a cup of strong tea or coffee, and you’ve got a delightful afternoon treat!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day in advance, just make sure to wrap it well after it cools to keep it moist. It’s perfect for prepping for gatherings!
How do I know when the cake is done?
Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s still gooey, pop it back in for a few more minutes—just keep an eye on it!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week, or freeze it for up to two months. Just remember to wrap it well!
Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake: A Slice of Joy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic British cake with a rich treacle flavor and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g brown sugar
- 100g treacle
- 2 large eggs
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a cake tin.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Add in the treacle, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tea or coffee.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with icing for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Traditional Treacle & Lemon Tea Cake, British dessert, cake recipe