When it comes to an afternoon tea or a delightful light dessert after dinner, the perfect accompaniment is a moist and fragrant cake. One of the most elegant options is an Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze, a treat that marries the subtle floral notes of Earl Grey tea with the zesty brightness of lemon. This cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a sensory experience that fills the room with its warm, comforting aroma. With a perfectly tender crumb and a refreshing citrusy glaze, it’s no wonder this cake has gained popularity among tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
In this recipe, we’re going to walk you through every step to create a soft, flavorful loaf of cake that captures the essence of a classic Earl Grey tea blend, complete with a luscious lemon glaze on top. Whether you’re preparing this cake for a special occasion or simply for your everyday enjoyment, it will become your go-to recipe for satisfying your tea-time cravings. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious Earl Grey Tea Cake.
What is Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze?
Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze is a fragrant, tender loaf cake infused with the flavors of Earl Grey tea. This cake typically has a light texture and a delicate floral flavor from the tea, complemented by the refreshing zing of lemon in the glaze. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that combines the pleasures of both tea and cake in one mouthwatering bite. The cake batter itself includes steeped Earl Grey tea, along with tangy Greek yogurt and lemon zest, which all work together to create a well-balanced flavor profile. The lemon glaze adds a finishing touch, giving the cake an extra layer of brightness and sweetness.
This recipe is ideal for those who love the aromatic qualities of Earl Grey tea, and it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of the same tea. It’s also versatile enough to be served as a light afternoon treat, a dessert after a meal, or even as a thoughtful gift to share with friends and family.
The Origin of Earl Grey Tea Cake
The origins of the Earl Grey Tea Cake are as delightful as the cake itself. Earl Grey tea is a classic British tea blend, known for its infusion of bergamot oil, which gives it a distinctive floral and citrusy flavor. The tea is named after the Second Earl Grey, a British Prime Minister during the 1830s, who is said to have received a gift of tea flavored with bergamot from a Chinese diplomat. Over time, this unique blend gained popularity across the United Kingdom and eventually became beloved worldwide.
Incorporating Earl Grey tea into baked goods has become a trend in recent years, particularly in the form of cakes, cookies, and other treats. The cake version was likely inspired by the British tradition of pairing tea with desserts, and over time, the recipe evolved to include a refreshing lemon glaze, further enhancing the citrus notes from the bergamot in the tea.
Ingredients for Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze
Before you get started, here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze. Each ingredient plays a key role in developing the flavor and texture of the cake.
For the Cake:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Glaze:
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Follow this simple guide to make the most out of your Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze:
Step 1: Prepare Lemon-Infused Milk
To infuse the milk with the delightful flavors of Earl Grey tea, begin by pouring the milk into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium-low heat until it’s just steaming. Be careful not to bring it to a boil. Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the milk from the heat, and add the Earl Grey tea bags. Allow the tea bags to steep in the milk for about 5 minutes, ensuring the milk takes on the deep flavors of the tea. Gently press the tea bags against the side of the pan to extract as much flavor as possible, and then discard the tea bags. Let the milk cool slightly before using it in the cake batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, neutral oil, lemon zest, and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
With the mixer on low, begin adding the flour mixture and the cooled tea-infused milk alternately with the Greek yogurt. Start with the flour mixture and end with the flour mixture. Be sure not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Glaze
While the cake cools, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a tiny bit of water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations for Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze
Here are some fun variations and tips to take your Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze to the next level:
- Moisture Boost: For extra moisture, brush the warm cake with a simple syrup (a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water) before adding the glaze. This will keep your cake moist for a longer period.
- Sour Cream Alternative: If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream. This will slightly change the texture and flavor but will still yield a delicious result.
- Poppy Seed Twist: Add a classic twist to your cake by folding in ¼ cup of poppy seeds into the batter. This is a great way to add texture and an extra element to your Earl Grey Tea Cake.
- Chai Tea Variation: Swap out the Earl Grey tea bags with chai tea bags and spice the glaze with a pinch of cinnamon for a unique variation of this cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of tea for this cake?
Yes! While Earl Grey is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other teas like chai or lavender for a unique flavor profile.
2. How can I store the Earl Grey Tea Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
3. Can I make this recipe without the lemon glaze?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can skip the glaze altogether and enjoy the cake as is. However, the glaze adds a lovely finishing touch that enhances the lemon flavor.
4. Can I use non-dairy milk for the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use almond, coconut, or any other non-dairy milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze is an easy yet elegant treat that perfectly blends the floral and citrus flavors of Earl Grey tea with the refreshing zest of lemon. Whether you’re serving it at a tea party or enjoying it as a dessert with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist crumb and irresistible lemon glaze, it’s a cake that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests asking for more. Don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own, and remember, this cake is all about savoring the delightful flavors in each bite.
Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, you can make your own Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze and enjoy the comforting, delicious aroma that fills your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze: A Perfect Blend of Flavor and Fragrance
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze is a fragrant, tender loaf cake infused with the flavors of Earl Grey tea. This cake typically has a light texture and a delicate floral flavor from the tea, complemented by the refreshing zing of lemon in the glaze. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that combines the pleasures of both tea and cake in one mouthwatering bite. The cake batter itself includes steeped Earl Grey tea, along with tangy Greek yogurt and lemon zest, which all work together to create a well-balanced flavor profile. The lemon glaze adds a finishing touch, giving the cake an extra layer of brightness and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Lemon Glaze
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
To infuse the milk with the delightful flavors of Earl Grey tea, begin by pouring the milk into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium-low heat until it’s just steaming. Be careful not to bring it to a boil. Once it reaches the desired temperature, remove the milk from the heat, and add the Earl Grey tea bags. Allow the tea bags to steep in the milk for about 5 minutes, ensuring the milk takes on the deep flavors of the tea. Gently press the tea bags against the side of the pan to extract as much flavor as possible, and then discard the tea bags. Let the milk cool slightly before using it in the cake batter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, neutral oil, lemon zest, and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
With the mixer on low, begin adding the flour mixture and the cooled tea-infused milk alternately with the Greek yogurt. Start with the flour mixture and end with the flour mixture. Be sure not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a tiny bit of water to reach the desired consistency.
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This cake is perfect for afternoon tea or brunch. For extra elegance, garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the glaze. It also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of lemonade or a hot cup of Earl Grey for a flavor-matching treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze