Orange Thyme Tea Cake

Recipe for a Citrus Enhanced Dessert

Sep 11, 2008 Lynn Smythe

A wonderful orange glaze permeates this moist cake. Orange thyme tea cake makes a wonderful accompaniment to a tea party, Sunday brunch or bridal shower.

Variations of the orange thyme tea cake can be made by substituting lemon or lime zest for the orange zest, and lemon or lime juice for the orange juice. If making a lemon or lime cake, use lemon or lime juice when making the glaze. This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.

Thyme plants are available in many scents including an orange and a lemon scented variety. These special varieties of thyme may be available at local garden or nursery centers, or purchased from online gardening suppliers. Common thyme can be substituted for the orange thyme, if that is all that is available.

Ingredients for the Orange Thyme Tea Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter - room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange thyme leaves

Directions for the Orange Thyme Tea Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the sugar and butter together until well blended.
4. Add the eggs, orange zest, orange juice and thyme to the butter/sugar mixture and mix well.
5. Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and stir until well blended.
6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured nine inch square glass baking dish.
7. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and poke a bunch of holes in the top of the cake with a fork.
9. Immediately pour the glaze over the hot cake and let the glaze thoroughly soak through the cake.
10. When cooled to room temperature, cut the cake into approximately 16 pieces.

Ingredients for the Orange Glaze

• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Directions for the Orange Glaze

1. Place the orange juice and granulated sugar into a small bowl.
2. Use a large spoon to mix the ingredients together until all the sugar has been thoroughly dissolved.

Additional Recipes

Here are some other recipes to consider serving at a tea party, bridal shower or Sunday brunch.

Ham & Cheese Quiche; Recipe for a Hearty Egg Custard Pie.

Walnut Chicken Salad with Herbed Butter; Delicious Finger Food to Feature at a Tea Party or Bridal Shower.

Rosy Jellyroll Cake; Recipe for a Raspberry and Cream Filled Dessert.

Sources for Orange Thyme

Many gardening supply companies offer orange thyme plants and/or seeds available for sale. Here are links to just a few.

Territorial Seed Company

Four Seasons Herbs

The copyright of the article Orange Thyme Tea Cake in Herbs & Spices is owned by Lynn Smythe. Permission to republish Orange Thyme Tea Cake in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Lemon Tea Cake