Introduction (H1)
Make Your Birthday Celebration Memorable with these Decadent Afternoon Tea Cakes
Birthdays are always special, and there are several ways to celebrate them. One way to make your day extra special is by hosting an afternoon tea party with your loved ones. An afternoon tea party is a time-honored tradition that allows you to indulge in sweet treats and sip delicious teas. It is a perfect way to celebrate not only your birthday but also other special occasions. In this article, we will share some of the most decadent afternoon tea cakes that will make your birthday celebration truly memorable.
Classic Victoria Sponge Cake (H2)
The Victoria Sponge Cake is a traditional English cake that is perfect for an afternoon tea party. The cake is simple but elegant, and it is made up of two layers of sponge cake filled with whipped cream and raspberry jam. The top is then dusted with sifted sugar. This cake is perfect for those who love a light and fluffy cake that is not too sweet.
To make the Victoria Sponge Cake, you will need:
– 225g self-raising flour
– 225g caster sugar
– 225g unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 2 tbsp milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 150ml double cream
– 4 tbsp raspberry jam
– Icing sugar, to dust
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4.
2. Grease and line two 20cm sandwich tins.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl and fold gently.
6. Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix well.
7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cool, whip the double cream until thick and spread half over one of the sponge cakes. Spoon the jam onto the other sponge cake and place it on top of the whipped cream.
10. Sprinkle the top with icing sugar and serve.
Chocolate Fudge Cake (H2)
If you’re a chocoholic, this cake is for you! The Chocolate Fudge Cake is a rich cake that will satisfy your sweet cravings. It is made up of three layers of chocolate sponge cake filled with a creamy chocolate fudge frosting. The cake is then topped with even more chocolate fudge frosting and decorated with some chocolate shavings.
To make the Chocolate Fudge Cake, you will need:
– 225g self-raising flour
– 225g caster sugar
– 225g unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 50g cocoa powder
– 2 tbsp boiling water
– 1 tsp baking powder
– For the fudge frosting:
– 200g dark chocolate, chopped
– 200g unsalted butter, softened
– 400g icing sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– Chocolate shavings, to decorate
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4.
2. Grease and line three 20cm sandwich tins.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder into the bowl and fold gently.
6. Add the boiling water and mix well.
7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the fudge frosting, melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.
10. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy.
11. Add the melted chocolate and milk and mix well.
12. Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of frosting over one of the sponge cakes. Repeat with the remaining cakes, spreading frosting between each layer.
13. Spread the remaining frosting over the top of the cake and decorate with chocolate shavings.
14. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Lemon Drizzle Cake (H2)
The Lemon Drizzle Cake is a classic afternoon tea cake that is perfect for those who prefer a tangy and zesty flavor. It is made up of a moist and light sponge cake that is infused with lemon juice and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. This cake not only tastes delicious but also looks stunning when served on a cake stand.
To make the Lemon Drizzle Cake, you will need:
– 225g self-raising flour
– 225g caster sugar
– 225g unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– Zest and juice of 2 lemons
– 1 tsp baking powder
– For the lemon glaze:
– 85g caster sugar
– Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4.
2. Grease and line a 20cm loaf tin.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl and fold gently.
6. Add the lemon juice and zest and mix well.
7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, make the lemon glaze by mixing together the caster sugar and lemon juice.
9. While the cake is still warm, prick the surface all over with a fork and pour the lemon glaze over the top.
10. Once the cake has cooled, remove from the tin and serve.
Conclusion (H1)
An afternoon tea party is a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. These delicious afternoon tea cakes are sure to impress your guests and make your birthday celebration truly memorable. Whether you prefer a classic Victoria Sponge Cake, a rich Chocolate Fudge Cake, or a tangy Lemon Drizzle Cake, there is something for everyone. So go ahead and indulge in these decadent treats – you deserve it!
