Earl Grey Lavender Cake Recipe

 

If you’re on the lookout for a cake that combines delicate floral notes with the comforting warmth of tea, this Earl Grey Lavender Cake is an absolute treasure to add to your baking repertoire. Imagine tender, moist crumb infused with the subtle elegance of lavender and the bergamot aroma of Earl Grey, all brightened by a zingy lemon-honey glaze that ties everything together beautifully. This Earl Grey Lavender Cake strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and homey comfort, making it ideal for afternoon tea or a cheerful celebration with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Earl Grey Lavender Cake on your table is simpler than you might think, with ingredients that are pantry staples enhanced by a few standout additions. Each component works harmoniously to create a cake that’s light, aromatic, and bursting with personality.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and richness for a moist texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, familiar depth to the flavor profile.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake light and soft without weighing it down.
• Buttermilk: Brings a tangy note that balances the sweetness and aids in leavening.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, ensuring it holds together perfectly.
• Baking powder: Provides lift, making the cake fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works alongside buttermilk to achieve an airy crumb.
• Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The star ingredient infusing your cake with signature bergamot and floral hints.
• Salt (optional): Enhances the other flavors without overpowering.
• Lemon zest: Brings a bright citrus aroma that livens up the palette.
• Honey: Sweetens the glaze naturally and adds complexity.
• Powdered sugar: Helps create a smooth, luscious frosting for the glaze.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick and adjusts the glaze’s consistency.

How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your cake pan—a standard 8-inch pan greased and lined with parchment paper is perfect to help the cake release cleanly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, crushed lavender Earl Grey tea, and salt. Taking the time to blend these ingredients thoroughly ensures even flavor distribution and a consistent rise throughout the cake.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a whisk to beat your eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes thick and beautifully smooth. This step is crucial for incorporating air that will lighten the cake’s final texture, so whisk with enthusiasm.

Step 4: Add Oil and Buttermilk

Blend the vegetable oil into your egg mixture, followed by the buttermilk. Mixing these in gently ensures a moist, tender crumb without deflating the air you’ve just incorporated.

Step 5: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Take care to combine just until you see no more flour streaks—overmixing can toughen the cake, so a light touch is key here.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and give it a quick drop onto the counter from about two inches high to release any pesky air bubbles. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Honey-Lemon Glaze

While your cake cools, whisk together honey, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Gradually add powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and silky. Adjust with lemon juice to reach a thick but pourable glaze consistency that will elegantly coat your cake.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Spread the gorgeous honey-lemon glaze over the completely cooled cake. The glaze’s shiny finish adds a zesty contrast to the fragrant cake beneath, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes like a sprinkle of dried lavender buds or thin lemon slices can elevate the visual appeal and reinforce the flavors in your Earl Grey Lavender Cake. For an extra touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a soft snowy effect that’s perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a doubly delightful experience. Fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream bring complementary freshness, balancing the sweet floral notes of the cake perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Earl Grey Lavender Cake into a centerpiece by serving it on a pretty cake stand surrounded by teacups and a vase of lavender sprigs. For a casual gathering, slice it into petite squares and serve alongside tea sandwiches for a charming afternoon tea party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed, store any leftover Earl Grey Lavender Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to keep it fresh for up to five days. Proper storage ensures the delicate flavors remain intact without the cake drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It keeps beautifully for up to three months, so you can bake ahead for special events or last-minute tea times.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. A brief warm-up in the oven at low heat can refresh the glaze’s softness and enhance the aroma of the Earl Grey and lavender notes.

FAQs

Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?

Absolutely! If you prefer loose leaf Earl Grey, use about 2 tablespoons of crushed full-leaf tea. It offers the same wonderful bergamot flavor and fragrance, and sometimes even more vibrant than pre-packaged tea bags.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

You can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil, but keep in mind that the cake may be slightly denser and have a richer flavor. Vegetable oil keeps this cake extra moist and light, which complements the delicate Earl Grey and lavender notes wonderfully.

Is it important to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk provides the right acidity to react with the baking soda, giving your cake a tender crumb and balanced flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a half cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With some tweaks, yes! Use plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar as a buttermilk substitute, replace eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers, and swap honey with maple syrup. The flavors will still shine, though the texture might differ slightly.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven early to keep the cake from sinking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve made this Earl Grey Lavender Cake, it’s going to become one of those beloved treats you reach for whenever you crave something both comforting and a little bit fancy. Its delicate balance of tea-infused floral notes with bright citrus glaze makes it an absolute standout. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly it turns an ordinary day into a special occasion.

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