Earl Grey Tea Cake: A Delicious Recipe and Baking Guide

Earl Grey Tea Cake: Just the name conjures images of cozy afternoons, steaming cups, and delicate slices of fragrant cake. Have you ever wanted to capture the essence of your favorite tea in a delectable dessert? Well, look no further! This recipe transforms the sophisticated aroma and flavor of Earl Grey into a moist, tender, and utterly irresistible cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

The tradition of tea cakes, particularly those infused with floral or citrus notes, has a long and elegant history, often associated with afternoon tea rituals in Britain. Earl Grey, with its distinctive bergamot infusion, adds a modern twist to this classic treat. The bergamot orange, originally from Southeast Asia, found its way into Earl Grey tea blends, creating a unique and beloved flavor profile that translates beautifully into baking.

What makes this Earl Grey Tea Cake so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – the subtle bitterness of the tea, the bright citrus notes of bergamot, and the sweetness of the cake itself. The crumb is incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of buttermilk or yogurt, and the glaze adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor. People adore this cake because it’s both sophisticated and comforting, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags, finely ground (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea, finely ground)
• For the Earl Grey Glaze:
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoons strong brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Preparing the Earl Grey Cake Batter

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Trust me, this step is crucial for easy cake removal later on. You can also use baking spray with flour if you prefer.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent rise and texture in your cake. Don’t skip the whisking – it really makes a difference!
3. Grind the Tea: If you’re using tea bags, carefully open them and empty the tea leaves into a small bowl. If you’re using loose leaf tea, measure out 2 tablespoons. Now, using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle, grind the tea leaves into a fine powder. The finer the powder, the more evenly the Earl Grey flavor will be distributed throughout the cake. Add the ground tea to the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is essential for creating a tender cake crumb.
5. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After adding all the eggs, beat in the vanilla extract.
6. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. So, add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which we want to avoid.
7. Final Mix: Give the batter one last gentle stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure no pockets of dry ingredients remain.

Baking the Earl Grey Cake

1. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched.
3. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it in the pan first prevents it from breaking apart.

Preparing the Earl Grey Glaze

1. Brew Strong Tea: Brew a strong cup of Earl Grey tea using a tea bag or loose leaf tea. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Remove the tea bag or strain the tea leaves and let the tea cool completely. This is important because hot tea will melt the powdered sugar.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons of the cooled Earl Grey tea. Add the vanilla extract, if using.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add more tea, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be smooth and pourable, but not too thin. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Glazing and Serving the Earl Grey Cake

1. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving platter or leave it on the wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch any drips. Pour the Earl Grey glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Let Glaze Set: Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the glaze to firm up slightly and prevents it from being too sticky.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. This Earl Grey tea cake is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also perfect with a cup of Earl Grey tea, of course!

Conclusion:

This Earl Grey Tea Cake isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s an experience. The delicate bergamot notes infused throughout the moist crumb create a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and sophisticated. From the moment you inhale the fragrant steam rising from the oven to the last lingering taste, this cake promises to elevate your tea time (or any time!) to something truly special. It’s a must-try because it’s simple enough for a weeknight bake, yet elegant enough to impress at a weekend brunch. I promise, you won’t regret adding this to your baking repertoire.

But the beauty of baking lies in its adaptability! Feel free to experiment and make this cake your own. For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of melted butter – the nutty notes will complement the Earl Grey beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful textural contrast. And for those who prefer a more pronounced citrus flavor, a tablespoon of lemon zest will brighten the bergamot notes even further.

Serving suggestions are endless! A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a classic and elegant choice. However, I personally love to top it with a light and tangy cream cheese frosting, infused with a hint of Earl Grey, of course! Alternatively, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and Earl Grey tea is equally delicious and easy to prepare. For a truly decadent treat, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cake also pairs perfectly with a cup of (you guessed it!) Earl Grey tea, or a glass of chilled prosecco for a celebratory touch.

Don’t be intimidated by the name; this Earl Grey Tea Cake is incredibly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. I’ve baked this cake countless times, and it always receives rave reviews. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family, or simply to treat yourself to a little bit of homemade goodness.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake! I’m confident that this Earl Grey Tea Cake will become a new favorite in your household. And more importantly, I’m excited to hear about your baking adventures!

I truly believe that baking is a form of love, and sharing your creations with others is one of the most rewarding experiences. Once you’ve tried this recipe, I encourage you to share your photos and feedback with me. Let me know what variations you tried, what serving suggestions you loved, and how your friends and family reacted. Did you add lemon zest? Did you try the brown butter? Did you create your own unique glaze? I’m eager to hear all about it!

You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I love connecting with fellow bakers and sharing our passion for all things delicious. Remember, baking is all about experimentation and having fun. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Earl Grey Tea Cake your own. Happy baking!