Name: Earl Grey Tea Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 225 g Plain Flour; 130 g Brown Sugar; 2 tablespoon Caster Sugar; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; a pinch Sea Salt; 3 tablespoon Butter, Room Temperature; 3 Eggs, Room Temperature; 1 tablespoon Honey; Juice and Zest of 1 Lemon; 140 ml Water; 2 tea bags Organic Earl Grey; 2 tablespoon Light Olive Oil; 100 g Fresh Blueberries; 70 g Fine Granulated Sugar; 1-2 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice; 1 tablespoon Water

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The Earl Grey Tea Cake is a delightful treat that has a special place in my heart. It all started one rainy afternoon when I craved something sweet yet sophisticated. I remembered having a slice of this enchanting cake at a quaint little café, where the rich aroma of Earl Grey lingered in the air. Inspired, I decided to recreate that experience at home. This cake combines my love for tea with a deliciously moist crumb, making it perfect for an afternoon tea or a cozy dessert after dinner. As the cake bakes, the subtle hints of bergamot fill the kitchen, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience, a moment to indulge in the simple joys of life.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Oven, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why This Earl Grey Tea Cake Shines

The Perfect Harmony of Flavors

One of the things I absolutely love about the Earl Grey Tea Cake is how the flavors meld together. The floral notes from the Earl Grey blend seamlessly with the fresh zest of lemon, creating a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

Moist and Tender Texture

This cake boasts an incredibly moist texture, thanks to key ingredients like butter and eggs. Each bite feels like a hug from grandma, lending a nostalgic vibe that makes you want to enjoy it over and over again.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a brunch gathering, a casual get-together, or just a quiet afternoon at home, this cake fits right in. It’s versatile enough to be served plain or dressed up with a simple glaze and fresh blueberries for that extra oomph.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up this delightful cake. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can impress friends and family alike. Plus, the process of making it is a joy in itself!

Gorgeous Presentation

The final touch of the glaze and additional blueberries makes this cake not just delicious but also beautiful. It’s a showstopper on any table, inviting everyone to take a slice.

Great for Tea Lovers

If you’re a tea aficionado like me, the Earl Grey Tea Cake is a must-try. It’s a delightful way to incorporate your favorite beverage into a dessert and share your love for tea with others.

Ingredients for Earl Grey Tea Cake

When it comes to baking the perfect Earl Grey Tea Cake, the quality of your ingredients is key. Each component plays an essential role in the overall flavor and texture of the cake. The star of the show, of course, is the Earl Grey tea, which lends its unique aroma and flavor, complemented beautifully by fresh lemon zest and blueberries.

225g plain flour – This is the foundation of the cake, giving it structure and stability.
130g brown sugar – Adds depth with its caramel notes, enhancing the cake’s overall flavor.
2 tablespoons caster sugar – Used for sweetness and to achieve a lovely texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise and achieve that perfect fluffiness.
A pinch of sea salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature – Contributes to the moistness and richness of the cake.
3 eggs, room temperature – Binds the ingredients together, providing structure and moisture.
1 tablespoon honey – Adds a hint of floral sweetness that complements the tea.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon – Brightens the cake and adds a refreshing zing.
140ml water – Used for steeping the tea and incorporating moisture into the batter.
2 tea bags of organic Earl Grey – The hero of this cake, imparting its distinct flavor.
2 tablespoons light olive oil – Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle flavor.
100g fresh blueberries – Bursting with flavor, they bring a fruity touch and beautiful color.
70g fine granulated sugar – Used in the glaze for a sweet finish.
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds acidity to the glaze, enhancing flavors.
1 tablespoon water – To help dissolve the sugar in the glaze.

Cooking Method for Earl Grey Tea Cake

Making the Earl Grey Tea Cake is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with warmth and amazing aromas. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your loaf tin. The first step is to infuse the Earl Grey tea, allowing those flavors to bloom beautifully. Then, you’ll mix the dry ingredients, combining them with the wet ingredients to form a batter that is both smooth and creamy.

Preheat your oven to 356F/180C. Grease a 1-liter loaf tin with a little butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the Earl Grey tea bags into the boiling water and let them steep for about half an hour. This process extracts all the lovely flavors from the tea. Once done, remove the tea bags and squeeze out any excess liquid.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a generous pinch of sea salt. This helps aerate the flour, ensuring a light cake.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the lemon zest, brown sugar, caster sugar, and butter. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about three to five minutes.
Add the eggs to the bowl one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth batter and retains the airiness of the mixture.
Next, pour in the lemon juice, the infused Earl Grey tea, honey, and olive oil. Mix until everything is well blended, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Stop the mixer and gently fold in the dry flour mixture. Do this carefully, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle!
Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake tin. Scatter some blueberries evenly over the batter, followed by the remaining cake mixture. This layering ensures some fruitiness throughout the cake.
Bake the cake for approximately 30 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the fine granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a bit more lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the glaze over the top and decorate with any leftover blueberries. Serve immediately, and store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Things Worth Knowing

Infusing tea: For a richer flavor, let the Earl Grey tea bags steep longer than the recommended time, but avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.
Room temperature ingredients: Using ingredients like eggs and butter at room temperature helps them blend together smoothly.
Testing doneness: Always check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake!
Cooling time: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting into the cake.

Ways to Customize

Customizing the Earl Grey Tea Cake can be a fun and creative process. Every kitchen has its unique twist, and here are some ideas to inspire you.

Add spices: Incorporate ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
Fruit variations: Swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or chopped apples for a different twist.
Gluten-free version: Try using a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Frosting options: Top with whipped cream or a light cream cheese frosting for added richness.
Flavor variations: Experiment with different teas like green tea or chai for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Earl Grey Tea Cake

When it comes to serving the Earl Grey Tea Cake, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:

Afternoon Tea: Serve it with a pot of your favorite tea for a traditional afternoon tea experience.
Brunch gatherings: A perfect addition to any brunch spread, it pairs well with coffee or tea.
With ice cream: A slice of warm cake paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delectable dessert.
Seasonal celebrations: This cake is great for celebrating occasions like birthdays or holidays, making it a versatile dessert.
Storage: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to four days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly before freezing.

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the unique flavor of Earl Grey, you can experiment with other teas. Green tea and chai are fantastic alternatives that can bring their own unique flavors to the cake.

Yes! The Earl Grey Tea Cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an air-tight container. The flavors may even develop and taste better as it sits!

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You might also consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a little more time in the oven.

Conclusion

The Earl Grey Tea Cake is a unique blend of flavors and textures that make it truly special. Its rich aroma and moist crumb are sure to please anyone who tries it. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor the delightful experience of bringing this lovely cake into your kitchen!