Tea cake recipe

Tea cake recipe is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Jiya Blogs on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $2.51 total, $0.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (neutral flavor, no strong smell)
  • 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar (150 g, fine texture; granulated sugar can be used but may affect smoothness)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (120 g, sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (fresh for best rise)
  • 1 pinch Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Essence (pure vanilla extract preferred)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk (120 ml, room temperature)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (42 g, melted)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (7 g, sifted before use)

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients

    Crack 2 eggs into a mixing bowl, add 1/4 cup neutral oil and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sift Dry Ingredients

    Place a fine mesh sieve over the bowl, add 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder and a pinch of salt. Sift them together into the bowl, shaking the sieve to ensure everything is well combined.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Cut‑and‑Fold Mixing

    Using a spatula, gently cut through the batter and fold it over itself repeatedly until the flour is just incorporated. The batter should stay a little lumpy – do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Vanilla

    Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla essence with the same cut‑and‑fold technique.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Prepare Milk‑Butter Liquid

    In a separate small pan, combine 1/2 cup milk and 3 tablespoons melted butter. Heat over medium heat just until it begins to simmer (tiny bubbles), then remove from heat.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Incorporate Liquid

    Pour the warm milk‑butter mixture into the batter and gently fold using the cut‑and‑fold method until just combined.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Create Cocoa Swirl Portion

    Scoop out about 1/4 of the batter into a separate bowl, add 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Layer Batter in Pan

    Pre‑heat a non‑stick 10‑inch pan on medium heat for 10 minutes. Lightly grease if needed. Spoon the plain batter first, then dollop the cocoa‑tinted batter on top and use a spatula to create a marbled design.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Cook on Stovetop

    Reduce heat to medium‑low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 40 minutes, checking occasionally that the bottom isn’t burning. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: Medium‑Low

  10. Finish in Air Fryer (Optional)

    If the gas flame goes out or the cake needs extra time, transfer the pan to a pre‑heated air fryer at 320°F for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 320°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fat
11 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Butter, Gluten

Last updated: April 10, 2026

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Tea cake recipe

Recipe by Jiya Blogs

A quick and easy tea‑time cake made entirely on the stovetop (or finished in an air‑fryer). The recipe uses basic pantry staples, a cut‑and‑fold mixing method, and a touch of cocoa for a pretty swirl. Perfect for beginners learning to bake.

EasyIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
53m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.51
Total cost
$0.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the batter is not over‑mixed after adding flour
  • Sifting dry ingredients to avoid lumps
  • Pre‑heating the pan for a solid crust
  • Cooking on medium‑low with a lid to steam the cake evenly
  • Finishing in the air fryer if stovetop heat is lost

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pan with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Do not leave the milk‑butter mixture unattended as it can boil over
  • When using the air fryer, ensure the pan handle is heat‑proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of tea cake in Indian cuisine?

A

Tea cake, often called "chai cake" in India, became popular during the British colonial era when tea drinking spread. It is a simple, quick cake that families bake at home to enjoy with afternoon tea, reflecting a blend of Indian home‑cooking and British baking traditions.

cultural
Q

How is the traditional Indian tea cake different from Western sponge cakes?

A

Indian tea cakes typically use a stovetop or air‑fryer method, rely on a cut‑and‑fold technique to keep the batter light, and often incorporate flavors like cardamom or cocoa without heavy frosting, making them less sweet and more suitable for everyday tea time.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of tea cake exist across India?

A

In North India, tea cakes may include nuts and saffron; in South India, they sometimes use rice flour and coconut; in Maharashtra, a version called "khaja" adds a thin layer of ghee and sugar syrup after baking.

cultural
Q

During which Indian celebrations is tea cake traditionally served?

A

Tea cake is commonly served during festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi as a light snack alongside sweets, and it is also a staple at family gatherings and afternoon tea sessions on weekends.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Indian tea cake?

A

The core ingredients are eggs, neutral oil, powdered sugar, all‑purpose flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, milk, butter, and vanilla. Optional traditional spices include cardamom or cinnamon, and a touch of cocoa for a modern twist.

cultural
Q

What dishes pair well with this tea cake in an Indian tea‑time spread?

A

Serve it with masala chai, spiced coffee, or a glass of buttermilk. It also pairs nicely with savory snacks like samosas, pakoras, or a simple cucumber raita for contrast.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this tea cake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar (which can leave a gritty texture), and cooking on too high a flame which burns the bottom before the center sets.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use the cut‑and‑fold method instead of vigorous beating?

A

Cut‑and‑fold gently incorporates air while minimizing gluten development, resulting in a tender crumb that stays light even without an electric mixer.

technical
Q

How can I tell when the tea cake is fully cooked?

A

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, and the top will be firm to the touch.

technical
Q

Can I make this tea cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Re‑heat gently before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jiya Blogs specialize in?

A

Jiya Blogs focuses on easy, home‑cooked Indian recipes, especially beginner‑friendly baking and quick meals, with step‑by‑step explanations in Hindi and practical tips for Indian kitchens.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jiya Blogs' approach to Indian baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jiya Blogs emphasizes using minimal equipment, stovetop techniques, and locally available ingredients, making baking accessible to viewers who may not have an oven, unlike many channels that assume a fully equipped kitchen.

channel

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