We Brits know there’s nothing better than a cup of tea… and an excellent slice of cake. However, choosing the perfect sponge for your freshly brewed cuppa can be difficult. Not only are there so many different tea and cake options to consider, but balancing the taste profiles of each can also be a bit of a minefield. So, if you’re an avid tea drinker – and an even more avid cake eater – here are some of the best tea and cake pairings out there.
Things to consider when pairing tea with cake
When pairing tea with cake, it’s worth considering the following:
- Body: If your cake is light in texture, a delicate tea will ensure the flavours won’t try to outdo each other. Similarly, if your cake is a bit denser, a stronger-flavoured tea will stand up to its sponge counterpart more.
- Bitterness: Since tannins in tea can sometimes make it bitter, it’s important to contrast it with even bigger cake flavours.
- Acidity/Brightness: Depending on how one-noted a cake is, an acidic tea can really bring in another dimension while brightness can add a light touch.
- Sweetness: Since cakes are already on the sweeter side, choosing a tea that compliments this instead of anything too bitter will help balance the taste experience.
Think you can remember these important points? If you’re up next to host an afternoon tea party, here are some of our favourite tea and cake pairings you can bring to the table:
Coffee and Walnut Cake with Ginger, Rose & Cardamom Tea
Adding a hint of cardamom to your traditional coffee and walnut sponge recipe means it’ll balance even more perfectly with ginger, rose and cardamom tea; the flavours in this hot cuppa will hit you in tiers, and you’ll immediately be transported to India with the clever taste inspired by the country’s own herbal medicine.
Chamomile Tea & Lemon Cake
An afternoon tea staple, lemon cake has remained unbeatable for plenty of years – especially when it’s cut through with lemon curd. How to respond to all these rich and delicious flavours? The tantalising floral notes brought in by a freshly brewed chamomile tea.
Earl Grey & Peanut Butter & Banana Cake
Ah, the humble earl grey. A favourite amongst tea drinkers who find a classic English Breakfast doesn’t quite hit the right spot. A cup of steaming earl grey tea is a popular choice for pairing with many of our best sweet treats, however, a peanut butter & banana cake will always come out on top. Why? The refreshing notes of earl grey do absolute wonders on balancing out the bold flavours of a peanut butter and banana sponge.
The next time you go to pop the kettle on, don’t forget these delicious tea and cake pairings while you wait for the water to boil.
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