Name: Earl Grey Lavender Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves; 1 tablespoon culinary lavender; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; Lavender buttercream or cream cheese frosting; Additional Earl Grey tea (for flavoring frosting); Edible flowers or lavender sprigs (for decoration)

Introduction

This Earl Grey Lavender Cake is a delicate and fragrant treat perfect for tea time or special occasions. The floral notes of lavender combined with the citrusy bergamot in Earl Grey create a unique, elegant flavor. Soft, moist, and lightly scented, it’s sure to impress both your taste buds and guests.

A slice of two-layer cake sits on a white plate, each layer light beige with a moist, crumbly texture, separated by a thick middle layer of pale lavender frosting speckled with tiny purple bits. The top of the cake is smooth and evenly coated with the same lavender frosting, scattered with small, delicate purple flower buds. A golden fork rests on the right side of the plate beside a few loose flower buds, all set on a white marbled surface with blurred teapot and cup in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves

1 tablespoon culinary lavender

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a small saucepan, warm the buttermilk without boiling. Add the Earl Grey tea leaves and culinary lavender, then steep for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the strained buttermilk and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 10: Optional: Prepare a lavender buttercream or cream cheese frosting, adding a bit of Earl Grey tea for extra flavor. Frost and layer the cakes once they are completely cool. Decorate with edible flowers or lavender sprigs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure it is safe and pleasant for baking.

Try replacing buttermilk with whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute.

For a lighter texture, sift the flour mixture before combining with wet ingredients.

Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a subtle tang that complements the cake.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage

Store the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If frosted, keep the cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To serve, allow the cake to come to room temperature to enjoy its full flavor and softness. You can also freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use about 3 to 4 Earl Grey tea bags as a substitute for 2 tablespoons of loose tea leaves. Just remove the tea bags after steeping the buttermilk and lavender.

What frosting pairs best with this cake?

A lavender-infused buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the flavors beautifully. You can also add a touch of Earl Grey tea powder or lemon zest into the frosting for an extra burst of flavor.