Variety of Tea Cake you Can Choose to Learn

Tea Cake 

Why Are They Called Tea Cakes?

Tea cakes are called so because they are light, mildly sweet cakes traditionally served alongside afternoon tea or chai — not too rich or frosted, and just right to enjoy with a hot cup of tea.

Unlike celebration cakes (which are heavy, frosted, or layered), tea cakes are:

• Simple and unfussy
• Often loaf-style, round, or sliceable
• Made with basic ingredients like flour, eggs, butter, and mild flavoring (vanilla, citrus, nuts, etc.)
• Designed to complement tea, not overpower it

The name comes from the British tradition of afternoon tea, where light cakes, biscuits, and scones were served. In India, the term got popular through bakeries, and today tea cakes are a staple in homes and cafes — especially during chai time.

 Interestingly, in different parts of the world:

In the UK, tea cakes can also mean soft sweet buns with dried fruits.

In India, they mostly refer to simple, unfrosted sponge cakes.

1. Vanilla Loaf Cake

A light, moist loaf with a comforting vanilla aroma.

    2. Marble Cake

A swirled fusion of chocolate and vanilla batters in every slice.

`3.Date and Walnut Cake

Rich with natural sweetness and a nutty crunch — perfect with chai.

4. Carrot Cake

Moist and gently spiced, with grated carrots and sometimes nuts or raisins.

5. Orange Tea Cake

Fragrant and fresh with the citrusy punch of orange zest and juice.

6. Banana Bread / Cake

Made with overripe bananas — soft, sweet, and often studded with nuts or choco chips.

7.  Butter Cake

Tender and rich with a golden crust and simple buttery goodness.

8. Spice Cake

Filled with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — ideal for monsoon evenings.

9. Rava (Semolina) Cake

A coarse-textured, eggless cake often made with yogurt and lightly sweetened.

10. Coconut Tea Cake

Soft, mildly sweet cake with a tropical coconut aroma and shredded coconut inside.

11. Chocolate Tea Cake

Light chocolate sponge with just enough sweetness for an everyday treat.

12. Apple Cinnamon Cake

A rustic tea cake with baked apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavor.

13. Honey Cake

Soft sponge soaked in honey syrup and often topped with jam and coconut flakes (popular in bakeries in Bangalore).

14. Pound Cake

A buttery, dense classic made with equal parts flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.

15. Lemon Drizzle Cake

Soft and zesty cake soaked in a sweet-tangy lemon syrup.

Check out the recipe for butter cake which is shown in the picture.