Introduction
Get ready to treat yourself like royalty with these delectable Queen Cakes. These dainty and delightful little cakes have been a tea-time favorite for generations. Let's dive into how to bake these sweet gems that will make you feel like the queen (or king) of your kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we start baking, gather these essential ingredients:
1. Dry Ingredients1 1/2 cups (180g) of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2. Wet Ingredients1/2 cup (120ml) of buttermilk
1/2 cup (75g) of currants or raisins (for a fruity twist)
1/4 cup (30g) of candied cherries, chopped (for a burst of color)
1/4 cup (30g) of mixed candied peel, chopped (for a hint of citrus)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Add the softened butter to the dry mixture. Using a fork or pastry cutter, combine the butter with the dry ingredients until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together.
Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and butter mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the buttermilk to the batter, stirring gently.
Fold in the currants or raisins, chopped candied cherries, and mixed candied peel. This will add sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor to your Queen Cakes.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Remove the Queen Cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes.
Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These Queen Cakes are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make charming additions to a brunch spread or as treats for afternoon tea.
Final Thoughts
Queen Cakes are a classic and timeless treat that never goes out of style. Their sweet, fruity, and buttery goodness makes them a hit with both young and old alike. So, whether you're hosting a tea party fit for a queen or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Queen Cakes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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