Delicate Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream

Last updated on July 30, 2025

There’s something magical about the aroma of tea wafting through the air on a quiet afternoon. I still remember the first time I attempted to bake an Earl Grey Tea Cake. It was an adventurous mix of anticipation and a twinge of anxiety. Picture this: me, a novice baker lost in the intricate world of brewing and baking, nervously measuring tea leaves while surrounded by a flurry of flour and sugar. The gentle scent of bergamot filled my kitchen, captivating not just my senses but my heart as well.

This delightful Earl Grey Tea Cake is not only a delightful treat but a testament to the beautiful moments that can be created in the kitchen. If you’ve ever felt that baking was too complex or daunting, fear not! This post will guide you step-by-step to make an enchanting Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream. I promise you, it’s simpler and more enjoyable than you might think, even if it’s your first time!

Why I Love This Recipe of Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream

This Earl Grey Tea Cake holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a cozy hug served on a plate. The subtle notes of Earl Grey tea in the cake mingling with the floral undertones of lavender in the buttercream create a symphony of flavors that transport me to a serene teahouse.

For beginner cooks, this recipe offers a perfect balance of straightforward techniques and room for creativity. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the baking process makes it accessible for anyone to try, and the end result is always rewarding. Baking this cake is more than just preparing a dessert; it’s crafting a special experience, whether you’re sharing it with friends during afternoon tea or enjoying a quiet moment by yourself. The rich flavors and comforting aroma are bound to evoke a sense of calm and joy, making it an ideal recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream

When you gather the ingredients for your Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream, remember that quality matters. Using high-quality Earl Grey tea and fresh ingredients can elevate your cake beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream combines the delicate flavors of bergamot-infused tea and floral lavender for a truly elegant dessert. It’s perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a unique and aromatic treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Cake:
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp Earl Grey tea (finely ground)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk, room temperature
• For the Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting:
  • 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp dried lavender (processed to be ultra-fine)
• Optional Add-Ons:
  • Chopped nuts or lemon zest (for the cake)
  • Extra dried lavender for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, finely ground Earl Grey tea, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Combine Mixtures: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Make Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add honey and powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy. Mix in cream (or buttermilk), salt, and vanilla. Stir in ground lavender.
10. Assemble Cake: Level cakes if needed. Place one layer on a plate and frost the top. Add second layer and frost top and sides.
11. Decorate: Garnish with extra dried lavender or desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea for the best flavor.
• You can grind tea leaves in a spice grinder or food processor.
• Lavender should be culinary grade and finely ground for best texture in the frosting.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
• Let all ingredients come to room temperature before baking for a smoother batter.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Earl Grey Tea Cake, Lavender Buttercream, floral cake, elegant dessert, tea party cake, honey frosting, tea-flavored cake, bergamot cake, special occasion cake

For the Cake:

• Essentials:
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea (loose, finely ground; if you only have tea bags, just measure out 1 tablespoon of tea and grind it finely)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk, room temperature

For the Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting:

• Essentials:
  • 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon dried lavender (processed to be ultra-fine)

Optional Add-Ons:

• You can customize your cake by adding chopped nuts or lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Substitutions and Shortcuts:

• If you’re dairy-free, substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free alternatives.
• Honey can be swapped for maple syrup to cater to vegan needs.
• For a lower-sugar version, consider using a sugar substitute that can hold up in baking.

How to Make Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream Step-by-Step

Now that you have all your ingredients at the ready, let’s bring the magic to life with the step-by-step process. Don’t worry; I’ll be right here guiding you through each step.

For the Cake

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly.

2. Prepare Your Baking Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help your cake release easily once it’s baked.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, finely ground Earl Grey tea, and salt. This step helps to ensure all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take about 3-5 minutes.

5. Add the Eggs: One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and room temperature milk into the butter-sugar mixture. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the milk, and continue alternating until everything is combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides to incorporate all the batter.

7. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

For the Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter using an electric mixer until creamy.

2. Add Honey and Sugar: Gradually add the honey and powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. This will take some time as you want the mixture to be well blended, airy, and fluffy.

3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream (or buttermilk) along with salt and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

4. Add Lavender: Carefully incorporate the finely processed dried lavender into the frosting. Mix until combined.

Assembly

1. Trim and Level Your Cakes: If necessary, use a serrated knife to level the tops of your cooled cakes to create an even surface.

2. Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of Lavender Honey Buttercream frosting evenly over the top.

3. Stack the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer.

4. Frost the Outside: Use a spatula to coat the top and sides of the cake with the remaining lavender buttercream. You can create a smooth finish or use the spatula to create swirls or peaks for a more rustic look.

5. Decorate: For an elegant touch, sprinkle some extra lavender flowers on top or around the base of the cake for a pop of color and fragrance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream

Even the most seasoned bakers encounter hurdles. Here are some common pitfalls to look out for:

Not Measuring Your Ingredients Correctly

Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements to ensure the best texture and taste.

Skipping the Room Temperature Step

Using cold ingredients can lead to dense cakes. It’s essential to have your butter, milk, and eggs at room temperature for optimal blending and rise.

Overmixing the Batter

Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Not Cooling the Cake Completely

Frosting a warm cake will cause your frosting to melt. Always ensure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting.

Serving Suggestions for Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream

Now that your Earl Grey Tea Cake is beautifully assembled, here are some delightful ways to serve it:

With a Pot of Tea

Pair your cake with a pot of freshly brewed Earl Grey or a floral herbal tea. The flavors will harmonize beautifully, enhancing your tea-time experience.

A Side of Fresh Berries

Serve slices of your cake alongside a medley of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. The tartness will complement the sweetness of the cake.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the rich cake.

Garnished with Edible Flowers

For a touch of elegance, garnish each slice with edible flowers which mirror the lavender in your buttercream. It’s a delightful visual treat as well!

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Feeling adventurous? Here are some pro tips to take your Earl Grey Tea Cake to the next level:

Infuse Your Milk

Try infusing your milk with Earl Grey tea overnight for a stronger flavor profile in the cake. Simply simmer the milk with a few tea bags, then cool and strain before using.

Experiment with Other Flavors

The fun doesn’t stop with lavender. You could try other flavor additions like lemon zest or even a hint of cardamom to create interesting flavor twists.

Layer it Up

Consider making a tiered creation by baking three layers instead of two for extra height. It would make for an impressive presentation at any gathering.

Add Texture

Mix in finely chopped nuts or add a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top of the frosting for added flavor and texture. The options are endless!

Conclusion & Next Steps

Making an Earl Grey Tea Cake with Lavender Buttercream is easier than it looks! You learn not only how to create a beautiful dessert but also how to infuse flavors in a way that feels personal and special. Remember, baking doesn’t have to be perfect; it can be cozy and fun! Feel free to customize this recipe with your own twists, making it your comfy tradition.

So, gather your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and create your own piece of baking magic. Trust me; you won’t regret it.

Now it’s your turn! Go on, roll up your sleeves and dive into this enchanting recipe. I’d love to hear how your Earl Grey Tea Cake turns out!

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