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