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At first glance, you might think a tea cake looks similar to a cookie. After all, they’re both round, baked, and sweet. But there are key differences that set tea cakes apart:
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Texture: Tea cakes are softer and more cake-like than cookies, which tend to be crispier or chewier. The soft, pillowy texture of a tea cake is what gives it its signature appeal.
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Sweetness: Tea cakes are generally less sweet than cookies. Their subtle sweetness makes them perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee, without being overly sugary. Cookies, on the other hand, often pack a stronger, more sugary punch.
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Ingredients: While cookies can include all sorts of additions like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices, tea cakes tend to stick to the basics—flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. This simplicity allows the flavor and texture to really shine.
In the South, tea cakes became a symbol of warmth and hospitality. They’re the kind of dessert you make when you want to share something special with your loved ones.
Tea Cakes Around the World: Variations on a Classic
Although tea cakes are a Southern staple in the United States, they have cousins all around the world. In fact, many cultures have their own versions of tea cakes or similar baked goods that are served with tea or coffee.
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United Kingdom: In the UK, a tea cake is often a yeast-based bun, sometimes with dried fruits like currants, and is served buttered and warm with tea.
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Scotland: Scottish tea cakes are quite different, featuring a marshmallow filling covered in a layer of chocolate. They’re more of a candy than a traditional baked good!
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France: In France, tea cakes come in the form of Madeleines—small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that are light and fluffy, perfect for dipping in tea.
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South Africa: Known as Beskuit or Rusks, these tea-time treats are more like twice-baked biscuits and are perfect for dipping into a hot cup of tea or coffee.
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Sweden: Tea cakes take the form of Kanelbullar, or cinnamon buns, which are spiced with cardamom and cinnamon, offering a different but equally delightful tea-time experience.
While the ingredients and forms may differ, what all these treats have in common is the way they’re enjoyed: as part of a relaxing, comforting break, shared with others.
Why Tea Cakes Are So Special: Tradition and Nostalgia
For many of us, tea cakes aren’t just a dessert—they’re a connection to the past. Families like mine have been passing down the recipe for generations, and every bite brings back memories of loved ones, family gatherings, and special moments.
In the African American community, tea cakes hold even deeper significance. They were often made with love and care, despite the limited resources available to enslaved African Americans. The act of making tea cakes became a way to preserve cultural traditions and pass down family stories, even in the face of hardship.
For my family, tea cakes have always been a symbol of resilience and love. My grandmother, Mary Washington (affectionately known as "Miss Lady"), continued the tradition started by my great-great-grandmother, and now, at 97 years old, she still shares stories of baking tea cakes on the Mobley plantation. That’s why, when we founded Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes in 2023, we did so with a deep sense of pride in our heritage.
Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes: Continuing the Tradition
At Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes, we are dedicated to carrying on the legacy of my great-great-grandmother and grandmother. Our tea cakes are made with the same care and attention that has been passed down for generations, but with a modern twist.
We offer a variety of flavors, from the classic to the creative:
- Classic
- Lemon
- Buttermilk
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Banana
- Peanut Butter
- Pecan
- Chocolate Chip
- Peach
- Caramel Cheesecake
Each one is freshly baked with no preservatives, making them a wholesome treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, our tea cakes are made to bring people together.
How You Can Enjoy Our Tea Cakes
We’re proud to sell our tea cakes in grocery and corner stores in Ruston, Farmerville, and Arcadia, Louisiana, as well as at the Ruston Farmers Market, where we also teach young children the basics of entrepreneurship. And if you’re not in the area, don’t worry—you can order our tea cakes online and have them delivered straight to your door!
We also offer fundraising opportunities for schools, nonprofits, and community groups. With our simple pre-order fundraiser, your organization can earn 25% of each sale, while sharing our delicious tea cakes with your community.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Tradition Worth Sharing
Tea cakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a piece of history, a symbol of family, and a tradition that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re enjoying one with a cup of tea or sharing them with others, tea cakes bring a sense of comfort and connection.
At Grandma Lady Lue Tea Cakes, we are honored to continue this sweet tradition, one tea cake at a time.
So, the next time you’re looking for a treat that’s both simple and special, why not try a tea cake? You’ll be tasting a piece of history, wrapped in the love of generations.
Thank you for reading! If you’d like to try our tea cakes or learn more about our story, visit our website or find us at the Ruston Farmers Market. We can’t wait to share this sweet tradition with you!