Yorkshire Tea Cakes.
- Rachel-Jayne's Allotment
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Uncovering the Secrets of Yorkshire Tea Cakes: A Tale of Sweetened Flour, Currants, and Warm Milk
Yorkshire tea cakes are a cherished treat from England, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. These fluffy delights are perfect for enjoying with butter, jam, or even a slice of cheese. In this post, we will explore how these scrumptious cakes are made, identify their key ingredients, and share tips for achieving the perfect bake.
Understanding Yorkshire Tea Cakes
Yorkshire tea cakes are often mistaken for simple sugar lumps, but they are actually enriched bread rolls filled with currants. These treats offer a delightful mix of sweetness and texture that reflects the essence of traditional British baking. Typical recipes often use straightforward ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar, delivering a familiar taste that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.
Interestingly, Yorkshire tea cakes have roots in the 18th century and were originally served as part of breakfast or tea gatherings. Today, they are a staple at afternoon tea events, enjoyed in homes across the UK and beyond.
The Ingredients Breakdown
Every component of Yorkshire tea cakes contributes to their delicious end result. Here’s how they all work together:
Flour: Strong plain flour creates the dough's structure, contributing to the fluffy texture.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Butter and Sugar: These ingredients create richness. For instance, a typical tea cake has around 25 grams of butter, adding a creamy flavor that complements the currants beautifully.
Currants: Sweet and chewy, currants are the star of the show. A standard recipe often calls for 50 grams of currants, which give each cake bursts of flavor.
Milk: Essential for creating a smooth dough, milk activates the yeast and enhances richness. Around 300 to 350 milliliters of lukewarm milk is commonly used.
Yeast: Yeast is vital for the rising process. It ferments the dough, allowing it to double in size, which is key for creating light and airy tea cakes.
Extra Milk: A final brush of milk gives the cakes a beautiful golden crust after baking.
With these common ingredients in hand, you're ready to embark on your baking journey!
The Baking Process
To create your Yorkshire tea cakes, assemble the following ingredients:
450g strong plain flour
1 tsp salt
25g butter
25g caster sugar, plus 1 tsp
50g currants
300-350ml milk, lukewarm
2 tsp dried yeast
Extra milk for brushing
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and combine it with caster sugar. Then, mix in the lukewarm milk. After that, add the dried yeast and let it froth for a few minutes. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help your cakes rise.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Combine the yeast mixture with the flour and mix until a rough dough forms. Add the currants, making sure they are well-distributed throughout. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Rise and Shine
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm area for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size, which typically indicates it's ready for the next step.
Step 4: Shape the Cakes
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove the air. Divide it into 10 to 12 equal pieces, shaping each into a round ball. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover them and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Brush the tops of the tea cakes with extra milk to achieve a golden finish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown. Once baked, cool them on a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying Yorkshire tea cakes can be done in multiple delightful ways. A popular method is cutting them open while still warm and spreading butter and your favorite jam on top. Statistics show that about 60% of people prefer strawberry jam with their tea cakes, but feel free to experiment!
For a twist, consider pairing tea cakes with cheese for a savory touch, or simply enjoy them plain accompanied by a hot cup of tea.
Tips for Perfect Yorkshire Tea Cakes
Milk Temperature: Ensure your milk is lukewarm. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold may not activate it properly.
Kneading: Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly. Proper kneading forms gluten, which gives tea cakes their desirable texture.
Proofing: Give the dough enough time to rise. This patience will reward you with fluffy cakes.
Storage: Keep leftover cakes in an airtight container. They usually last a couple of days or can be frozen for longer preservation.
Embracing the Tradition
Yorkshire tea cakes hold a special place in British culture, linking generations through shared moments over tea. By making these cakes at home, you can reconnect with this tradition. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a delicious treat that enriches your tea time.
The next time you sit down with a cup of tea, treat yourself to these exquisite cakes. Share them with family and friends for an inviting experience that showcases the warmth of British hospitality.
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