Name: Earl Grey Lavender Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons (89 ml) vegetable oil; ½ cup (120 g) buttermilk; 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ teaspoons (6 ml) baking powder; ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) baking soda; 3 bags Lavender Earl Grey Tea or 2 tablespoons crushed full-leaf tea; ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) salt, optional; Zest of one lemon; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey; 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar; 2-4 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, or as needed

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If you are a fan of tea-infused desserts that bring a floral and citrusy elegance to your palate, then the Earl Grey Lavender Cake is an absolute must-try. This cake beautifully marries the bergamot-infused notes of Earl Grey tea with the delicate aroma of lavender, creating a moist, tender crumb that’s enhanced by a luscious honey-lemon glaze. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable treat that lifts any occasion from simple teatime to celebrations filled with joy and warmth. Once you taste this Earl Grey Lavender Cake, it will instantly become one of your cherished recipes to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for the Earl Grey Lavender Cake is simpler than you might think. Each item plays a key role in delivering the signature moistness, balanced sweetness, and aromatic character that define this cake.

Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness while helping to keep the crumb light and tender.
Large eggs: Offer structure and richness, ensuring the cake rises beautifully.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and complements the tea and lavender flavors without overpowering them.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist, tender, and soft — much better than butter for this texture.
Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and reacts with the leavening for a delicate crumb.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s fluffy texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a gentle rise and airiness.
Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The star ingredient with crushed full-leaf tea releasing that incomparable floral and bergamot perfume.
Salt (optional): Enhances the other flavors without making the cake taste salty.
Honey-lemon glaze components (lemon zest, honey, powdered sugar, lemon juice): These combine into a tangy, sweet glaze that crowns the cake with fresh brightness and sticky sweetness.

How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan with a little oil or butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cake releases easily, keeping its perfect shape and delicate crumb intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, crushed Earl Grey lavender tea leaves, and a pinch of salt if you are using it. Whisk these well to distribute everything evenly. The tea leaves will infuse flavor and speckle the batter with subtle aroma that rises beautifully while baking.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together. Beat until the mixture turns thick and smooth. Adding oil next ensures that the batter stays moist, followed by buttermilk, which introduces tang and helps soften the cake crumb.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Resist overmixing here — you want the cake to be tender, not tough. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few small lumps.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. To eliminate any air bubbles and promote even rising, drop the pan gently from about 2 inches onto your countertop. Bake in the center of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with a heavenly aroma that’s part cozy afternoon tea and part delicate floral garden.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the honey-lemon glaze by whisking together honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then gradually adding powdered sugar until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to seep slightly over the edges for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of edible lavender buds or finely grated lemon zest on top can elevate the presentation and add an extra pop of vibrant color. A few fresh lavender sprigs on the side create a charming, fragrant touch that enhances the cake’s floral notes.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a simple cup of your favorite Earl Grey tea or lavender-infused herbal tea to echo its flavors. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the light tea aroma with creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special mornings, cut the Earl Grey Lavender Cake into petite squares and arrange them on a tiered stand alongside dainty tea sandwiches. You can also layer thin slices with whipped mascarpone and fresh berries to create a sophisticated trifle that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Earl Grey Lavender Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. Stored this way at room temperature, it should stay delightful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you like your cake a little warm, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm it gently in a low oven. This will revive the soft crumb and enhance the sweet scent of the honey-lemon glaze.

FAQs

Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags for the Earl Grey Lavender Cake?

Absolutely! Using crushed full-leaf Earl Grey lavender tea will actually boost the flavor since the leaves release more essential oils than tea bags. Just be sure to crush the leaves finely for even distribution.

What is the best way to crush the tea leaves?

Place the tea leaves into a small bowl or between two sheets of parchment paper and press gently with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon until they are broken down but not powdered. This helps infuse the cake batter perfectly.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, stir, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works beautifully to maintain the cake’s tender crumb and slight tang.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs for regular eggs and dairy-free milk combined with a suitable acid in place of buttermilk, you could experiment with a vegan adaptation. Keep in mind the texture and rise might differ slightly from the original.

How do I store the honey-lemon glaze if I make it ahead?

Store the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature and stir or whisk gently to restore its smooth, pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the unique combination of Earl Grey tea and fragrant lavender, this Earl Grey Lavender Cake is a beautiful way to bring sophistication to your kitchen table without fuss. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones over a chat or indulging in a quiet moment by yourself, it’s a recipe that promises comfort, delight, and memorable flavor with every bite. Be sure to make this cake your own and watch it quickly become a favorite you revisit time and time again.