Tea cakes have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations, passed down from grandmothers and mothers to daughters and sons. These delicious treats are a symbol of celebration, comfort, and tradition. And while there are countless variations of tea cake recipes out there, the one we have for you today is a true classic - the simply southern tea cake. This recipe has been perfected over time, resulting in a soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookie that will have you coming back for more. So, get your apron on and let's get baking!
Nothing says Southern like a tall glass of sweet tea. This classic drink is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially when served with a cold beer can chicken. To make the perfect Southern sweet tea, start by brewing a strong pot of black tea. Then, stir in some white sugar while the tea is still hot. Let it cool, and then add in some ice cubes. Serve with a lemon wedge for an extra burst of flavor.
If you're looking for a unique and delicious dessert to serve with your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern tea cake cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are made with butter, sugar, flour, and a touch of cinnamon. They are perfect for dipping in a cold glass of sweet tea or enjoying on their own. Plus, they are easy to make and can be baked in advance for a stress-free meal.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
A classic Southern pound cake is a must-have dessert for any occasion. This rich and buttery cake is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. It's the perfect dessert to serve with a cold beer can chicken, as the flavors complement each other perfectly. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat.
Southern tea cakes are a cross between a cookie and a cake. These soft and buttery treats are perfect for enjoying with a cold glass of sweet tea. They are also incredibly versatile and can be customized with different flavors and toppings. Try adding some chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate for a decadent twist on this classic Southern dessert.
This Southern pineapple cake is a light and refreshing dessert that pairs perfectly with a savory beer can chicken. This cake is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and crushed pineapple, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. It's the perfect dessert for a hot summer day or any time you're craving something sweet and fruity.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. This easy and delicious side dish is the perfect addition to any meal, especially when served with a cold beer can chicken. This recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is made with flour, cornmeal, buttermilk, and a dash of honey for a touch of sweetness. Serve it warm with some melted butter for a truly indulgent experience.
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Juanita's Sweet Tea - Southern Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bag, Granulated Sugar, Cold Water
If you want to try a different twist on a classic sweet tea, give Juanita's sweet tea a try. This refreshing drink is made with a combination of black tea, orange juice, and lemon juice. It's a perfect balance of sweet and tangy and is the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer can chicken. Serve it with some extra lemon slices for a burst of citrus flavor.
This Southern butter pound cake is a rich and decadent dessert that will leave your guests wanting more. Made with butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, this cake is moist and full of flavor. It's the perfect dessert to serve with a cold beer can chicken, as the savory and sweet flavors complement each other perfectly.
For a twist on traditional beer can chicken, try this recipe for Southern smothered chicken. This dish is made with chicken thighs, onions, garlic, and a creamy sauce that is packed with flavor. It's the perfect main dish to serve with a side of cornbread and a cold glass of sweet tea.
Southern cornbread dressing is a classic side dish that is a staple at any Southern holiday meal. This dish is made with cornbread, celery, onions, and herbs for a delicious and flavorful stuffing. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Collard greens are a popular side dish in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These leafy greens are packed with nutrients and are delicious when cooked with some bacon, onions, and seasonings. They are the perfect side dish to serve with a cold beer can chicken, as the flavors balance each other out perfectly.
Oxtails may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cuisine, but they are a popular dish in many Southern households. This recipe for Southern smothered oxtails is made with oxtails, onions, peppers, and a savory gravy. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a hearty and flavorful meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. This recipe for classic Southern biscuits is simple and easy to follow, and the end result is light and fluffy biscuits that are perfect for pairing with a cold beer can chicken. Serve them warm with some melted butter and honey for a truly indulgent experience.
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MAKE THESE SOUTHERN TEA CAKE COOKIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Nutmeg, Unsalted
Looking for a delicious holiday treat to serve with your beer can chicken? These Southern tea cake cookies are the perfect choice. They are easy to make and can be customized with festive sprinkles or a drizzle of icing for a festive touch. Your guests will love these soft and buttery cookies that are perfect for dipping in a cold glass of sweet tea.
Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food favorite, and this Southern baked version takes it to a whole new level. This recipe is made with macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
If you prefer a creamier and more indulgent mac and cheese, try this recipe for Southern baked mac and cheese. This dish is made with macaroni, heavy cream, and a variety of cheeses for a rich and decadent side dish. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with a savory beer can chicken.
This Southern caramel cake is a show-stopping dessert that is perfect for special occasions. The cake layers are made with flour, sugar, and buttermilk, and the caramel frosting is made with butter, sugar, and cream. It's a sweet and indulgent treat that is sure to impress your guests when served alongside a flavorful beer can chicken.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. These delicious bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich and gooey pecan filling. They are the perfect dessert to serve with a cold beer can chicken, as the flavors complement each other perfectly.
Nothing says Southern like a warm and gooey peach cobbler. This recipe is made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a buttery crust. It's the perfect dessert to serve with a savory beer can chicken, as the sweet and tangy flavors balance each other out perfectly.
If you want to keep things simple and classic, try this recipe for traditional Southern collard greens. These leafy greens are cooked with some bacon, onions, and seasonings for a flavorful and nutritious side dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
The Key Ingredient for the Perfect Tea Cake
When it comes to making the perfect simply southern tea cake, there is one key ingredient that cannot be substituted - vanilla extract. This small but mighty ingredient adds a depth of flavor and warmth to the tea cake, making it truly irresistible. You can use either pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for an even more intense flavor.
Why Vanilla is the Star of the Show
Aside from its delicious flavor, vanilla extract also has numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidants that help protect your body from free radicals, and it is known to have calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. So, not only will your taste buds thank you for using vanilla in your tea cakes, but your body will too.
Choosing the Right Vanilla Extract
When it comes to choosing the right vanilla extract for your simply southern tea cakes, quality matters. Look for pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste that is made from real vanilla beans and not artificial flavorings. This will ensure that you get the best flavor and health benefits from your tea cakes.
Other Variations to Try
While vanilla extract is the star of the show in this simply southern tea cake recipe, there are also other variations you can try. For a more citrusy flavor, add a splash of lemon extract to the batter. You can also mix in a handful of chopped pecans for a nutty crunch, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm and cozy touch.
In Conclusion
The key to making the perfect simply southern tea cake is using quality ingredients and a lot of love. The vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor and health benefits that make this classic recipe stand out. So, next time you're craving a taste of the South, whip up a batch of these delicious tea cakes and enjoy a little piece of tradition.