Unlike the soft, American-style tea cakes (think: a cookie meets cake) or the traditional English tea cake (a loaf-shaped cake with tea soaked fruit, a little like traditional fruit cake, also known as tea loaf, picture below), these English Fruit Teacakes are a whole different ball game. Imagine a cinnamon toast, but in a golden brown bun form! They’re delightful warm from the oven or at room temperature, and perfect for slathering with as much butter as your heart desires. Whichever you like, they all are perfect served British style with a nice cup of tea. To avoid confusion, there are also Scottish teacakes from the brand Tunnock’s. These are actually cookies (or biscuits, as we say in Britain) with a shortbread base, a marshmallow layer, and a chocolate coating. Quite different from our English Fruit Teacakes! When it comes to tea cake recipes, this is about as easy as they come and you probably have most of the ingredients already.
How to serve Traditional English Teacakes
Warm or Toasted: This is the most traditional way to enjoy them. Serve them warm straight from the oven for a soft and fluffy texture, or toast them for a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and soft interior. Jam or Clotted Cream: For an extra indulgent experience, add a dollop of jam (strawberry or raspberry are popular choices) or a spoonful of clotted cream (a thick, spreadable cream specific to Devon and Cornwall).
Fun Fact: A Yorkshire Twist
These sweet buns are also known as Yorkshire tea cakes. Interestingly, in some parts of Yorkshire, bakers take a different approach. They forego the dried fruit and transform these buns into the perfect base for savory sandwiches.
Mixed Dried Fruit
When it comes to the dried fruit, currants are traditional. Dried cranberries, sultanas or pretty much any dried fruit you like would also be delicious, or mix it up and add a little of everything you like.
Optional Additions to tea cakes
Zest of citrus fruits grated citrus peel (lemon or orange) for a touch of vibrant, citrusy sunshine. Chocolate chips for melty pockets of rich, decadent chocolate in every bite.
