Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe

If you adore floral and citrusy flavors wrapped in a moist, tender crumb, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe. This cake infuses the fragrant notes of Earl Grey lavender tea right into the batter, creating a sophisticated yet comforting dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or an elegant afternoon treat. Topped with a luscious honey-lemon glaze, each bite brings a delightful balance of sweetness and tang that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple and straightforward is essential to let every flavor shine through in this Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the aromatic tea adding depth, to the honey-lemon glaze providing a fresh, sweet finish.

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs – room temperature: Provide structure and richness for a moist texture.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s overall flavor with warm notes.
• 6 tablespoon (89 ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist with a soft crumb.
• ½ cup (120 g) buttermilk: Adds tanginess and reacts with baking agents for lightness.
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons (6 ml) baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) baking soda: Works with buttermilk for a tender texture.
• 3 bags Lavender Earl Grey Tea or 2 tablespoon crushed full-leaf tea: The star ingredient that infuses the cake with its signature aroma and flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) salt (optional): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Honey-Lemon Glaze:
• Zest of one lemon: Adds bright citrusy aroma and flavor.
• 2 tablespoon (30 ml) honey: Brings natural sweetness with floral undertones.
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar: Creates that smooth and glossy texture for the glaze.
• 2-4 tablespoon (30 ml) fresh lemon juice: Adjusts glaze consistency and infuses tartness.

How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly, setting you up for success right from the beginning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and crushed Lavender Earl Grey tea leaves along with the optional salt. This combination ensures that your cake will have a perfect lift with enticing flecks of fragrant tea distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, vigorously beat together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract using a whisk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Then, mix in the vegetable oil and buttermilk until everything is evenly blended. These wet ingredients will give your cake its tender, moist texture and rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to just bring everything together to retain air and lightness in your batter, making sure your cake stays delightfully fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. To eliminate air bubbles that could cause uneven baking, drop the pan from about 2 inches onto the counter a couple of times. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey-Lemon Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together honey, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Gradually blend the powdered sugar into the mixture until smooth. If needed, add more lemon juice little by little until you achieve a thick yet pourable consistency that will beautifully coat your cake.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Spread the honey-lemon glaze evenly over the cooled cake. This luscious layer adds a glossy finish that’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, perfectly complementing the fragrant Earl Grey and lavender notes.

How to Serve Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your cake slices with a sprinkle of dried lavender buds or a few lemon zest curls. These simple extras enhance the visual appeal and hint at the delicious flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of vanilla, or a scoop of lemon sorbet to echo the citrus glaze. Fresh berries also make an excellent pairing, adding color and natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside a pot of hot Earl Grey tea to amplify the aromatic experience. For celebrations, stack two cakes with pastry cream in between and drizzle glaze over each layer for a stunning layered cake presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover the cake to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or at low heat in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat to preserve the cake’s tender crumb and delicate glaze.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Using about 2 tablespoons of crushed full-leaf Lavender Earl Grey tea works just as well as tea bags and often imparts even more robust flavor. Just be sure to crush the leaves finely so they incorporate well into the batter.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will mimic the tanginess and acidity needed for the cake’s rise and moist texture.

Is the lavender flavor strong in this cake?

The lavender flavor is pleasantly subtle, working in harmony with the fragrant Earl Grey tea and citrusy glaze rather than overpowering. It’s just enough to add a delicate floral dimension that makes this cake truly special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend that’s suitable for cakes. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the cake’s structure and softness.

How long can I leave the honey-lemon glaze on before serving?

It’s best to apply the glaze about 30 minutes before serving, giving it time to set slightly but still remain shiny and luscious. If left too long, it may harden a bit, which some people enjoy for a slight crunch contrast.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the Earl Grey Lavender Cake with Honey-Lemon Glaze Recipe as your next baking adventure. It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that brings the soothing, nostalgic flavors of tea and floral notes together in a cake that’s both moist and delightfully fragrant. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this cake is guaranteed to make any moment feel a bit more special. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with this charming classic!

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