We’ve always been captivated by Martino’s Tea Cakes, a timeless treat that originated in cozy European kitchens, blending simple ingredients into something truly irresistible. These delicate cakes offer a perfect balance of buttery richness and subtle spices, making them ideal for sharing with friends or savoring solo during a quiet afternoon.
In our kitchen, we’ve adapted this classic recipe to bring its comforting flavors to your table, proving that baking joy doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how these cakes elevate everyday moments.
Ingredients
We carefully select these key ingredients for our Martino’s Tea Cakes recipe, ensuring they blend European-inspired flavors into a rich, subtly spiced dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
To prepare our tea cakes, we start with the dry ingredients followed by the wet ones for optimal mixing. Here’s the complete list, ordered as they are used:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted to ensure a light and airy texture
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, for that essential rise
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adding a warm, aromatic spice
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, for subtle depth and European flair
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, to sweeten the batter evenly
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened at room temperature for easy creaming
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten lightly to incorporate smoothly
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for enhanced flavor notes
- Milk: ¼ cup, whole for richness, added to adjust consistency
These measurements yield about 12 tea cakes, making it ideal for sharing or savoring solo. Always use fresh, high-quality items to capture the authentic taste of Martino’s Tea Cakes.
Equipment Needed
To seamlessly transition from gathering our key ingredients like flour and spices, we now focus on the essential equipment that helps us craft perfect Martino’s Tea Cakes with precision and ease. Having the right tools ensures efficient mixing, accurate measurements, and even baking for that authentic, fluffy texture.
Here’s a detailed list of the equipment we’ll use, organized by the sequence of preparation:
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): We rely on these sturdy bowls to combine dry ingredients like flour and baking powder with wet ones such as eggs and milk, preventing spills and ensuring thorough blending.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we use these precise tools to measure out granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and other components without guesswork.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: For achieving a smooth batter, we prefer a whisk for light mixing or an electric mixer for quicker results, incorporating unsalted butter and eggs effortlessly.
- Baking Tray or Muffin Tin: This versatile piece is crucial for shaping our tea cakes; we recommend a standard 12-cup muffin tin to yield about 12 cakes, allowing for even baking and that signature rise.
- Oven: A preheated oven set to 350°F is our baking powerhouse, ensuring the cakes bake evenly for 15-20 minutes to develop their subtly spiced, golden-brown crust.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: We use this for gentle folding and scraping, maintaining the batter’s airy consistency without overmixing.
- Cooling Rack: Once baked, we transfer the cakes here to cool properly, preserving their moist interior and enhancing flavor development.
| Equipment Item | Quantity Needed | Preparation Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | 2 (medium, large) | Combine and mix ingredients |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | 1 set | Ensure precise measurements |
| Whisk or Electric Mixer | 1 | Blend batter smoothly |
| Baking Tray or Muffin Tin | 1 | Shape and bake cakes |
| Oven | 1 | Heat for even cooking |
| Spatula or Wooden Spoon | 1 | Mix and fold ingredients |
| Cooling Rack | 1 | Cool cakes post-baking |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting Martino’s Tea Cakes with precision and ease, ensuring a delightful blend of spices and textures in every bite.
Prep
Before we begin mixing, let’s prepare our workspace and ingredients to set the stage for perfect baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking tray or muffin tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning. In a large mixing bowl, measure and combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This step ensures the spices infuse evenly, creating that authentic, subtly spiced aroma we love in Martino’s Tea Cakes. Separately, in another bowl, soften ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature and gather 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of milk for quick access.
Mix
With our ingredients prepped, we mix the batter to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that promises a moist, tender crumb. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes and releases a sweet, buttery fragrance that hints at the cakes’ rich flavor. Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each to incorporate air for a lighter texture, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic depth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients we prepared earlier, alternating with ½ cup of milk, and mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cakes tough, so stop when the batter is smooth and slightly thick, evoking the comforting essence of traditional European treats.
Shape
Now we shape the dough into inviting, uniform portions that will bake into golden, appealing tea cakes. Using a spoon or spatula, portion the batter into the lined baking tray or muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow for rising—this yields approximately 12 tea cakes, as noted in our recipe overview. For added precision, here’s a quick guide to shaping:
| Portion Size | Estimated Yield | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup per mold | 12 cakes | Gently smooth the tops for even baking and a professional finish. |
This step ensures each cake develops a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, spiced interior, making Martino’s Tea Cakes ideal for sharing or savoring alone.
Bake
With the shapes set, we bake to transform the batter into warm, fragrant masterpieces that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops turn a golden brown—watch closely after 15 minutes to avoid overbaking, which could dry out the moist crumb. As the cakes rise and the spices bloom, you’ll notice a cozy, cinnamon-nutmeg scent that signals these treats are ready to delight your senses.
Cool
Finally, we cool the cakes to lock in their flavors and achieve the perfect texture for enjoying. Remove the tray from the oven and let the cakes rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes to prevent sogginess, allowing the heat to escape while preserving that soft, buttery interior. After this initial cool-down, gently transfer them to the rack for another 20-30 minutes until they reach room temperature—this step enhances the subtle spice notes, ensuring Martino’s Tea Cakes are at their flavorful best for serving.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing Martino’s Tea Cakes recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring warmth and flavor into your kitchen.
Baking these treats lets us connect over shared moments, and we’re confident you’ll find joy in every bite.
Try tweaking the spices to make it your own, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Martino’s Tea Cakes?
Martino’s Tea Cakes are a delightful European-inspired treat made with simple ingredients for a rich, subtly spiced dessert. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying alone, blending flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg for a comforting experience that’s accessible for all skill levels.
What ingredients are needed for Martino’s Tea Cakes?
The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Using fresh, high-quality items ensures an authentic taste, making this recipe easy to prepare with everyday pantry staples.
What equipment is required to bake Martino’s Tea Cakes?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or electric mixer, a baking tray or muffin tin, an oven preheated to 350°F, a spatula or wooden spoon, and a cooling rack. These tools ensure precision, ease, and perfect results for home bakers.
How do I prepare Martino’s Tea Cakes?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and combining dry ingredients. Mix in wet ingredients to form a smooth batter, then portion into a lined tray or muffin tin. Bake for the specified time, monitoring closely to avoid overbaking, and cool on a rack for the best texture and flavor.
How many tea cakes does the recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 tea cakes, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a personal treat. It’s designed for ease, so you can scale it based on your needs.
Are Martino’s Tea Cakes suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely! The recipe uses straightforward ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for novice bakers. With clear instructions on mixing, shaping, and baking, anyone can create these comforting treats with confidence.