These brown butter blueberry almond tea cakes are gluten-free, not that you’d know it! Sweet and juicy, they are the perfect morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Disclosure: This post was hosted by Pamela’s Products. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own!
You didn’t think I would hold out on you did I?
We’re best friends.
I would never.
Let’s talk brunch!
Actually, let’s go back a little farther and talk about how I found Downton Abbey.
(It found me.)
(We found each other.)
It was about four score (two) years ago when I was bored and looking for something new to watch and everyone was talking about this British show, so I watched an episode. And then two episodes. And then three episodes.
And then the.boy asked what I was watching and so I rewatched an episode. And then two episodes. And then three episodes.
Now we’re Downton addicts and there is no 12 step plan that can save us. Mostly because we don’t even want to be saved, but still.
So when Pamela’s Products asked me if I wanted to host a Downton Abbey-inspired tea party that would make Mrs. Patmore (and maybe even Mr. Carson) proud…I may or may not have screamed like a tween at a Justin Bieber concert. (<–Lady Grantham would not have approved.)
And then replied YES, YES, a thousand times YES!
Except I made so much food that the tea party kind of turned into brunch. #sorrynotsorry
So, you may be wondering how exactly does one host a Downton-inspired tea party in the 21st century? It’s EASY. And we’re going to learn how.
Today. Right now.
Step One: INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!!
They will be extremely nervous and will ask you a gazillion questions such as: Do we need to wear corsets? Will we have to speak in accents? Will there be a pop quiz at the end?
Allay their fears! This is all in good fun.
But remind them that no one will turn them away at the door if they come bearing period dress and trivia questions.
Just kidding. Kind of.
Step two: PLAN THE MENU!!
This is the fun part. I spent a lot of time searching Pinterest for inspiration, googling like it was my job, and I may have even frequented my favorite tea party joint (Alice’s Tea Cup in NYC) one to twenty times. For research purposes, obviously.
And here’s what I learned: the only rule about having a tea party (in the 21st century) is that there are no rules!
But it has to be delicious. MAJORLY delicious.
Mrs. Patmore says so.
Here’s what we ate:
- Cucumber and creme fraiche mini sandwiches
- Cumin-roasted carrot, goat cheese, and olive tapenade mini sandwiches
- Deviled eggs with hummus and za’atar
- Pumpkin scones
- Clotted cream and jam assortment
- Gluten free brown butter blueberry almond tea cakes
- Pamela’s Figgies + Jammies and Lemon Shortbread Cookies
- Tea! (an assortment)
- Mimosas and bellinis
Whenever I host any event, I like to be sure that there are food options for everyone – vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free.
I’ve got the vegetarian and vegan thing covered, but to be honest, my experience with gluten-free baking is pretty meager.
And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s feeling unprepared and incapable.
Pamela’s Products sent me a bag of their Artisan All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Blend (as well as their Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix!), along with a bunch of other goodies, to help ease me into the gluten-free baking process. And I have to say….it couldn’t have been easier. Pamela’s all purpose flour blend can be substituted one to one with regular all purpose flour, making it super simple to incorporate into non-gluten free recipes.
But how does it taaaaassssttttteeee!!!???, you ask.
So good. For the tea party, I used it to make these brown butter blueberry almond tea cakes and I’m pretty sure that in a blinded taste test you would never be able to guess that they’re gluten-free. No funky aftertaste or weird texture. Just bite-sized, fluffy, moist, juicy nuggets of everything that you’d want in a tea cake. And more.
We are just about halfway through this season of Downton Abbey, so you’re running out of time to get tea partying!
Do it. It’s totally the best.
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup Pamela's Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour Blend
- 1¼ cups almond flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 5 large egg whites
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- 1 cup blueberries
- Heat oven to 400F. Grease 30 cups of 2 mini muffin tins. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns an amber color and smells nutty. Remove from the heat and pour the butter into a heatproof bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk in the egg whites until well combined. Stir in the bourbon and butter. Let stand for 20 minutes.
- Fold the blueberries into the batter and, using a small cookie scoop, scoop into the prepared muffin tin. Bake until a tester comes out clean, about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
That tea party looks perfect. Anything with blueberries is good with me – it makes everything instantly a little bit healthy I think.
Well aren’t these just adorable?? Sounds like such a fun party!! And oh so delicious.
Forget Alice’s, I’m just coming to your apartment from now on;-) And yes I’m the last human being who has never seen Downton Abby…
Love those tea cakes…but all the tea party food looks delicious!
These tea cakes are so cute, Joanne. Loving the fresh blueberries in them!
You did everyone proud!! Love love these tea cakes. Maybe u should have some ready for Sunday’s episode??
I have to admit that I’ve never seen an episode. But it’s on my list. I’m waiting for a sick day so I can binge watch!! Love your brunch menu, especially these muffins!
Downton Abbey is great! And I’d love to come over for brunch! That was an invite, right? Downton Abbey and brunch…it’s a date. 🙂
Happy Friday Joanne!
You are TOO CUTE! You and my mom should get together. She talks about Downton Abbey like they live next door. I’ll tag along for the food 🙂
Wow, I wish I was a guest at your tea party! Love these little tea cakes and everything else looks amazing. I love Pamela’s products, especially the brownie mix!
Now that’s a theme party! Sounds really nice and these lovely tea cakes and the brunch menu look perfect for a Downton Abbey party! I love itty bitty party food and you’ve got everything covered here; I’m sure your guests had a memorable time.
I love adding browned butter to my baked goods and bourbon of course. Have a great weekend!
Wow Joanne – you know how to throw a tea party! I am mesmerized by all that deliciousness – those deviled eggs with hummus and za’atar are such a fun addition! And these blueberries-bursting-out-of-the-helm almond cakes look stunning!
Okay, now I want to host a tea party… or just eat these by myself while I watch Downton Abbey and The Great British Baking Show.
True story: I’m having brunch with my girl friends tomorrow, and all I have planned foood-wise are pancakes! Thankfully I have you to inspire me to add other edibles to the mix. These tea cakes? Maaarvelous! Downton Abbey has yet to find me, but I’ve heard it’s sinfully addicting, so I can’t wait to glue myself to it once I finish all the White Collar Netflix has to offer 😉
P.S. Did you get the invitation I sent you to my brunch tomorrow? You should come. Bring the tea cakes 😉
I love your tea party! These tea cakes are amazing!!!
Haha so fun, your tea party sounds awesome!! You did a great job, everything looks fabulous! Love these adorable blueberry almond tea cakes 🙂
OMG yes and it had Downton and Bourbon! Girl you know the way to my heart!
Your tea cakes look perfect as does the entire menu for the party! Nice work – so delicious!!
what a fun party! and delicious looking cakes 🙂 mmm!
Love everything, the deviled eggs in particular… I have been on a deviled egg kick lately, not sure why
great party! I haven’t yet baked anything gluten free, should try my hands at it, just for fun
They are so cute!! Mr Carson would certainly approve! Love the idea of hosting a Downton tea party, kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. Also, my husband is happy to know that he is not the only male Downton super-fan, so thanks to the.boy 🙂
The tea cakes are amazing. My kind of party. Love it.
It’s my very favorite show!
The muffins look amazing – brown butter makes everything better.
Damn delicious!!!
just perfect for brunch break….
That’s one fancy tea party. I wouldn’t know what to eat first.
Your party sounds delightful!
This tea party! I had one as a birthday party when I was little…but now I want another one. Like…today! The spread looks delicious but I’m in love with these tea cakes. And they’re gluten free?! Even better!
Joanne, oh my gawd, I love this post so much!! I love Downton Abbey and hosting a Downton Abbey-inspired tea party sounds so fun and cool!!! I wish my husband would watch with me but he won’t. . so it’s just me and my blanket and sometimes some tissues on Sunday nights 😛
my blanket b/c I’m always cold. . thought I should clarify that! 😛
Oh – you had me at “tea cakes!” I love an afternoon tea like that and never do it. I might just be inspired now!
It’s definitely one of the best shows on TV and now I want to go to England and do a tour of the castle where the show is filmed. I love the sound of the menu, especially the clotted cream and jam as that is so very British and your tea cakes look gorgeous xx
This spread is amazing ~ and those tea cakes look delish! I haven’t seen Downtown Abbey, but these pictures have got me thinking a tea party would be so fun!
I wish I had these amazing little tea cakes this morning when I was on the way to work lol. I have to make this
I just love this flavour friend! These are so pretty!
You had me at brown butter! These look amazing. I love their mini size so cute!
Love the idea of a tea party! Reminds me of my childhood when my parents used to throw tea parties but with Russians its all about bigger the better. However, I’m a sucker for cute bite size anything .You eat a couple and walk away without any guilt .
This is so fun, Joanne – I love it! And these muffins look incredible – love the dash of bourbon. That may be the secret ingredient to make everything better. 🙂
Oh, those blueberries that I got this morning at the market have just be diverted from breakfast food to treat food:)
Totally wish I could have been there. The sandwiches look absolutely gorgeous!
Is it a sin to want those for the breakfast? They look so pretty and delicious, Joanne.
Have a great weekend!
Angie
I need a brunch in my life soon! I can’t remember the last time I had a nice brunch, and I don’t think I’ve ever had tea cakes before! You had me at the brown butter 🙂
I hope there were hats. 🙂 Those tea cakes look scrumptious!
I shall have to make these for my dad 🙂
What cute and simple teacakes, look perfect for tea 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Awww, Joanne, I’m a teensy bit upset that you didn’t let us know about this very special tea party before hand so that we could come and gate crash. I wouldn’t even have had to put on my accent – just posh it up a bit.
Absolutely love the sound of those cute little muffins. I once made something similar but I wasn’t 100% happy with them. Time to try yours out, methinks!
I got so excited reading this post that I fear I may not calm down for the rest of the night. And I don’t mind! What a fun idea and these tea cakes are clearly perfect for the event. We love Downton too and I’d happily munch on these while re-watching an episode 🙂
BRUNCH! Yes, please! This sounds like such a fun party, and the tea cakes sound delicious! Any excuse to cram my face with plenty of blueberry goodness. 🙂
They look and sound SO delicious, Joanne! Loving brown butter at the moment and the sweet, tart blueberries are great with those other flavours. Totally love your idea of a Downtown themed afternoon tea! So cool. 😀
Hosting a Downtown Abbey inspired tea party sounds so much fun Joanne! Love these tea cakes and Pamela’s product are awesome!
I’m never up to date on Downton watching since I wait to watch it via Netflix. I should have tea parties while I wait! These little tea cakes look delightful, and brown butter gets me every time.
I totally wish I could have been at your party. Where I may or may not have just sat and eaten all of these tea cakes.
Downton is so addictive, isn’t it! Mrs. Patmore would be proud of your tea cakes – they look delicious.
Uh, so your house for brunch then? This looked like the BEST brunch ever. These tea cakes look fab and let’s just say I’ve had Pamela’s Products and LOVE their pizza crust!!
Yuuuum, these look so delightful! I normally just watch Downton in my pajamas on my couch, but I love the idea of a tea party. British accents = mandatory.
nothing bleeds like a blueberry, and i love the affect!
yep I am just a little jealous – love downton but still need to catch up on a couple of series that passed me by a bit quickly – a downtown tea party sounds so much fun – would love to hear that there were corsets (actually there were a few corsets when I went out on Friday night – a rare treat – to go out not to see corsets – and I thought the corsets looked rather cool though not very downton)
I think that blend would be better than the one I have. Mine has a bunch a of buckwheat (which is fine sometimes) which can really change the flavor of a recipe. I like that this one looks like it might be ‘regular’ flour. Better to fool people…..Less upturned noses if you know what I’m saying. 🙂
I’m an Abbey fan also. Have you watched “The Great British Bakeoff?” It’s equally addicting so you may not want to get started.
[…] Brown Butter Blueberry Almond Tea Cakes // Eats Well With Others // GF All Purpose Flour, Cane Sugar […]
The blueberry tea cakes look amazing. Quick question. My mkm doesn’t eat eggs. Do you think I could make it without eggs and substitute?
I haven’t tried it, but I think it’s definitely possible! You could try a flax egg, which I’ve had success with in the past.