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Queen Cakes

Make authentic Queen Cakes with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on September 17, 2019
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Queen Cakes
⏱️
Prep Time25 mins
🍳
Cook Time15 mins
⌛
Total Time40 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 12-14 Cupcakes
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This Recipe Makes 12-14 Cupcakes

Queen Cakes are a luscious, buttery, sweet & decadent form of cupcakes which were a nineteenth century tea-party favorite. They are much richer & more indulgent to the modern cupcake.

These cakes evolved from the British creation called Portugal cakes, which towards the end of the seventeenth century, began gracing fine banqueting tables in England & America. These tiny cakes were known as Queen Cakes by the late eighteenth century.

Growing up, my mum used to always prepare these treat for us & I always devoured them. Usually, Queen cakes aren’t very much decorated as compared to cupcakes. Cupcakes tend to have dollops of icing on top whereas the Queen cake will most of the time be served plain or with sprinkles on top.

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 12-14 Cupcakes
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Step-by-Step Instructions

29 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C or 356°F.

  2. Step 2

    Add butter/margarine to a mixing bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Thereafter, add in the castor sugar.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Cream together until well combined.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing after every egg.

  6. Step 6

    Crack the 1st egg in.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Mix.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Crack in the 2nd egg.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Mix.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    In goes the 3rd egg.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Mix.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    4th egg goes in.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Mix.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Finally, crack in the 5th egg.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Mix,

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Next, add in the salt & baking powder.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Add in the all purpose flour.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Pour in the warm milk. (Milk may be heated in the microwave oven for 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your appliance).

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Add in the vanilla essence.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Fold well, using a wooden spoon until you get a batter – do not over mix.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Next, line a muffin tray with cupcake liners, this can be omitted but I feel it gives a good look to the Queen Cakes.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, avoiding any spillage over the ends.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Next, this step is optional, but I feel that it gives these Queen Cakes a pretty look to it. Sprinkle over some 100’s & 1000’s.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Place these cakes into the preheated oven & allow to bake for 15 minutes.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    They should be nice & golden once baked.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Insert a toothpick/skewer in the middle of one of the cakes. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing these cakes from the tray.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Serve as is or with a glass of milk or a hot drink.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    These Queen Cakes can be stored in a airtight container in a cool place for up to a week.

    Step 29 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Queen Cakes.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Queen Cakes

How should I store Queen Cakes to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. For milk-based sweetmeats like burfee or soji, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Pure butter or ghee provides the authentic rich aroma and texture characteristic of traditional Indian sweetmeats and bakes. Margarine can be used in a pinch, but butter delivers superior flavor.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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