Delicious Regency Queen Cakes Recipe for Sweet Treats
Welcome, dear readers, to the wonderful world of Jane Austen’s Afternoon Tea Party! If you are a fan of Ms. Austen’s novels and the Regency era, then there is no better way to relish your love for these classics than by indulging in a serving of Regency Queen Cakes.
These cakes have been an integral part of high tea in the Regency era, and still hold a special place in the hearts of cake-enthusiasts around the world. The inspiration for this recipe comes from Queen Elizabeth cake, which originated in the beautiful land of Canada. The Regency Queen Cakes lend a British twist to it, with their studded fruit and rich almond flavors.
The recipe for this classic delight is simple yet elegant. The cakes are small, individual-sized sponges that are baked until light and fluffy, then studded with currants and flavored with rosewater and almond essence, giving them a beautiful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
But why stop at just the recipe? Bring Ms. Austen’s writing to life as you sip on your tea and indulge in this delightful treat at your next book club gathering, or celebrate her birthday by baking these cupcakes with your loved ones. These cakes embody everything that is wonderful about both Jane Austen’s literature and high tea in the Regency era.
So put on your apron, light some candles, steep your favorite tea, and let’s begin our journey to create one of the most delectable cakes that will transport us to another time and place.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of Jane Austen’s classic novels and love the idea of hosting your own elegant Regency-era tea party? Do you enjoy baking delicious treats for your family and friends? If so, this recipe for Regency Queen Cakes is perfect for you!
The first reason why you’ll love this recipe is its historical significance. Queen Cakes were a popular sweet treat during the Regency era and are often mentioned in Jane Austen’s novels. By recreating these delightful cakes, you can transport yourself back to that elegant time period and feel like a character in one of her stories.
But historical significance aside, these cupcakes are simply delicious! Made with butter, sugar, eggs, and self-raising flour, each individual cake is studded with currants and flavored with mace and rose water. The aroma of freshly baked goods and the fruity sweetness will tempt even the most disciplined eaters.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re planning a fancy tea party with friends or simply baking cupcakes for your family, these little treats will suit any occasion. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Lastly, the beauty of these cupcakes cannot be overlooked. With their lightly golden tops and fruit studded interiors, they look like an artistic masterpiece from a bake shop. Decorating them with sugar frosting or edible flowers can make them even more stunning.
In summary, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds – history and great food – making it a must-try for anyone who loves Austen-era novels or simply enjoys sweets. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s start baking!
Ingredient List
Before starting a baking adventure, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Here is a list of ingredients needed to make these delicious Regency Queen Cakes:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups of self-raising flour
- 1/4 tsp of ground mace
- 1/4 cup of currants
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of softened butter
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp of heavy cream
- 3 tbsp of rose water
Optional Toppings
- Almonds, slivered or chopped
It is important to note that the quality and type of ingredients can greatly affect the outcome of the final product. Fresh and high-quality ingredients will give your Regency Queen Cakes more flavour and texture. So make sure to purchase the best ones you can find.
The Recipe How-To
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
First, you’ll need to cream together 225g of butter and 225g of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature beforehand, so it’s easier to work with.
Adding the Eggs and Flavourings
Crack in 4 medium eggs, one at a time, while continuously whisking the mixture. Add in a teaspoon of finely grated mace and 1 tablespoon of rose water, which will give the cakes their unique flavor.
Sifting and Mixing
Sift 225g of self-raising flour into the bowl and gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a large wooden spoon until fully combined. Add in 50g of currants and continue folding until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Preparing Baking Cups
Preheat your oven to 170°C. Line your baking tray with cupcake liners or lightly grease them with some extra butter. Spoon the mixture into each cup, filling them about two-thirds full.
Baking Time
Bake in the oven for around 20-25 minutes or until they have turned golden brown on top and spring back when pressed lightly with your fingertip.
Cooling Time
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 15-20minutes on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy these delicious Regency Queen Cakes, which make a perfect addition to any afternoon tea gathering or as a sweet treat for dessert buffets!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit or don’t have all the ingredients on hand, fear not! There are some substitutions and variations you can make with this recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Mace: If you don’t have mace on hand, you can use ground nutmeg instead. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
– Rose Water: If you’re not a fan of rose water or don’t have any on hand, try using orange blossom water or lavender water as a substitute. These will add a different floral twist to the cakes.
– Self-Raising Flour: Don’t have self-raising flour? No problem! You can make your own by combining 2 teaspoons of baking powder with 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
– Currants: Swap out currants for other dried fruit like raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries.
– Almonds: If you don’t have almonds, try using chopped pecans or walnuts. These will add a nice crunch to the cakes.
– Gluten-Free: To make these cakes gluten-free, swap out the self-raising flour for a gluten-free flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum). You might need to adjust the liquid amounts slightly to get the right consistency.
– Vegan: To make these cakes vegan, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg called for in the recipe.
Remember that while these substitutions will alter the taste and texture slightly from the traditional recipe, they still guarantee wonderful results. Get experimental and enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked these delightful Regency Queen Cakes, it’s time to think about serving and pairing them. These mini cakes might look small in size, but they pack a lot of flavor that is perfect for serving as an afternoon tea treat or a dessert at any party.
When it comes to serving these Queen Cakes, you can opt for the traditional tea-time style by arranging them beautifully on a tiered cake stand. Alternatively, you can plate them individually, dusted with icing sugar and surrounded with fresh berries or fruit coulis.
These cakes pair well with a variety of hot beverages such as tea or coffee. If you have guests who don’t drink caffeine or prefer something cold, you could also serve them with iced tea or lemonade. For an adult gathering, try serving red wine or sherry alongside the Queen Cakes, as they complement each other perfectly.
If you’re hosting a themed party like “An Afternoon Tea in Jane Austen’s England”, then these Regency Queen Cakes are the ultimate dessert choice. Pair them with other period favorites like scones with clotted cream and jam or lemon curd tarts.
No matter how you choose to serve or pair them, these regal cakes are sure to impress your guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these Regency Queen Cakes is that they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your Jane Austen-inspired tea party. Simply bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you’re planning even further ahead, you can also freeze the un-iced cakes for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight, then warm them up in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes.
When it comes to storing the finished cakes with icing, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than three days. And if you need to transport the cakes, make sure to protect them from heat and moisture by placing them in a sturdy lidded cake box.
Finally, if you have any leftover Regency Queen Cakes, they make for a delicious treat when reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick snack or dessert. Just be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel while reheating to prevent them from drying out.
Overall, these wonderful well-known Regency Queen Cakes are perfect for making ahead and storing, giving you more time to enjoy your gathering with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure flawless Queen Cakes that will transport you back to the Regency era, I have gathered my top tips for perfect results. Here are some secrets to making your cakes a success:
First and foremost, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This includes your butter, eggs, and any liquids such as milk or rosewater. Room temperature ingredients blend together more seamlessly and create a smoother batter.
Another essential tip is to sift your dry ingredients, including flour and mace, before incorporating them into the mix. This way, any lumps or impurities will be removed, ensuring a velvety texture.
Furthermore, when adding your fruit (currants are traditional in Regency Queen Cakes), toss them with a bit of flour beforehand. Doing so prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cakes while baking.
When it comes time to fill your cupcake liners or pan with batter, use an ice cream scoop or spoon for evenly sized portions. This also helps to avoid overflowing cupcakes.
Finally, do not overbake the cakes! Keep a close eye on them during baking and insert a toothpick into their centers to check for doneness; the toothpick should come out clean. Remember that everyone’s oven is different, so baking times may vary depending on your equipment.
With these tips in mind and your creative instinct, your Queen Cakes will be a highlight of Jane Austen’s Afternoon Tea Party! Happy baking!
FAQ
Now that you have the recipe and all the necessary tips to make delicious Regency Queen Cakes for Jane Austen’s Afternoon Tea Party, let’s address some common questions and concerns. In this section, we’ll cover queries on ingredient substitutions, baking techniques, serving suggestions, and much more. So, let’s dive into frequently asked questions and make sure you’re fully equipped to prepare these delightful Queen Cakes Jane Austen would be proud of!
What is the queens favorite dessert?
One delightful treat that many people enjoy is chocolate biscuit cake. This cake has gained popularity due to its delicious taste and its ability to be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. One notable fan of this cake is known for taking a small slice every day until the entire cake is gone, only to start the process of enjoying a fresh one again.
Why is it called Queen Elizabeth cake?
The Queen Elizabeth cake is a delicious dessert that consists of a tender and pleasantly sweet date cake. The cake is then garnished with a brown sugar, butter and coconut topping, which is broiled to perfection. It is named after the well-known Queen of Canada, Elizabeth II, and was possibly created to commemorate her crowning in 1953. This dessert is moist and light, with a perfectly balanced level of sweetness.
What is the Queen’s chocolate biscuit cake?
Have you ever heard of a no-bake cake called Tiffin or Wicked Cake? These treats are often made with melted chocolate, butter, and cream, mixed with any leftover cakes and biscuits. The Queen’s Chocolate Biscuit Cake is a popular version of this cake, and it is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Interestingly enough, I used to work at a café in Cornwall where this cake was a big hit during school holidays.
Can you freeze Queen Elizabeth cake?
To add some extra flavor to your cake, try pouring a mixture over it and spreading it evenly before popping it back in the oven for a few minutes. This will add some nice browning to the top. Once it’s done, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. You’ll be happy to know that this cake also freezes well for later enjoyment. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up for the freezer.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Regency Queen Cakes are not only a tribute to the historical era of Jane Austen, but also a delicious treat that can be enjoyed at any modern-day tea party or gathering. The combination of mace, rose water, and currants create a unique and delicate flavour that is sure to impress your guests.
By following this recipe and implementing the tips and variations provided in this article, you can easily bake these wonderful individual cakes studded with fruit and flavoured with rosewater and almonds. Whether you’re a fan of Jane Austen’s works or simply looking for a new dessert recipe to try out, Regency Queen Cakes are a must-try.
So why not channel the elegance of the Regency era by serving these cakes at your next tea party? With their impressive appearance and irresistible taste, they’re sure to become a favourite amongst your guests. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your company) will thank you for it!
Regency Queen Cakes for Jane Austen’s Afternoon Tea Party Recipe
Ingredients
- 450 g self raising flour
- 450 g sugar
- 450 g butter
- 225 g currants
- 110 g almonds, ground
- 6 eggs
- 1 -2 tablespoon rose water
- 1/4 teaspoon mace
- paper, cases
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 190C/374F/gas mark 5.
- Sift the flour and mace together.
- Beat the eggs.
- Melt the butter and allow to cool slightly.
- Beat the eggs, rose water and melted butter together.
- Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture.
- Add the liquid mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Add the currants, sugar and the ground almonds and mix well.
- Put a heaped spoon of the cake mixture in to the paper cases, or a well buttered patty or muffin tin.
- Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, until well risen, firm and golden brown.
- You can ice them if you wish, using a thin mixture applied with a brush, more like a glaze.
- Serve with elegant china and some freshly drawn English tea in the drawing room or the parlour!
Your Own Notes
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.