Name: Earl Grey Lavender Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488587H32M57S
Total time: PT-488587H32M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 6 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 cup buttermilk (see note); 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 3 bags Lavender Earl Grey Tea (or 2 tbsp of crushed full-leaf tea); 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional); Zest of one lemon; 2 tbsp honey; 2-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or as needed); 2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cake that feels like a gentle hug wrapped in delightful floral and citrus notes, this Earl Grey Lavender Cake will quickly become your new obsession. The soothing aroma of Earl Grey tea blends perfectly with the subtle sweetness of lavender and a bright hint of lemon, creating a sophisticated yet comforting treat. Whether it’s a special afternoon tea moment or an elegant dessert for guests, this cake brings together simple ingredients in a surprisingly elegant and unforgettable way.

Earl Grey Lavender Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Earl Grey Lavender Cake comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver texture, flavor, and a beautiful color. Each component plays its part, from the aromatic tea that infuses the batter to the luscious honey-lemon glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps achieve the perfect crumb texture.
Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and richness to the cake.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the cake’s structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a tender rise.
Lavender Earl Grey tea: Infuses the cake with that signature floral and bergamot essence.
Lemon zest: Brightens the flavor profile with fresh citrus notes.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the glaze.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, velvety texture for the glaze.
Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness of the glaze with a refreshing tang.
Salt (optional): Enhances and balances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.

How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This little prep step saves you from any post-baking stress!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, crushed lavender Earl Grey tea leaves, and salt if using. This blend is the backbone of your cake, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and the fragrant tea throughout the batter.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a whisk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. This step is key to incorporating air for a light texture. Then, slowly mix in the vegetable oil and buttermilk until everything’s nicely blended, creating a silky-smooth batter ready to meet the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you no longer see dry flour streaks. The delicate incorporation preserves the cake’s tender crumb and allows the Earl Grey Lavender Cake to maintain its lovely texture.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then drop the pan from about two inches above the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey-Lemon Glaze

While the cake cools, mix the glaze by whisking honey, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and smooth. Adjust the consistency with extra lemon juice if needed, aiming for a glaze that spreads beautifully but holds its shape on the cake.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the glaze over the top. The glaze’s sweet and tangy contrast perfectly highlights the subtle tea and lavender flavors inside. Your Earl Grey Lavender Cake is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Garnishes

Add an elegant touch by garnishing your cake with a few edible lavender flowers or thin lemon slices. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy, delicate finish that enhances the cake’s visual appeal. These simple additions make the presentation feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, especially more Earl Grey or chamomile to complement the floral notes. For something more indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream adds creamy richness that balances the cake’s bright flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unforgettable twist, turn slices of the Earl Grey Lavender Cake into mini sandwiches layered with lemon curd or lavender-infused whipped cream. Alternatively, serve it as a layered cake with fresh berries tucked between layers for added freshness and color. Presentation is a fun way to elevate this already charming cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen feels warm, placing it in the fridge is a safe option, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to bring out all the flavors.

Freezing

This Earl Grey Lavender Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, especially when serving with glaze, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick heat enhances the fragrance and softens the texture, making each bite even more comforting.

FAQs

Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?

Absolutely! Using about 2 tablespoons of crushed loose leaf Earl Grey tea infused with dried lavender works perfectly. It often offers a more intense flavor and fragrance than tea bags.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This keeps your cake tender and a bit tangy, just like with real buttermilk.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can make a gluten-free version. Just be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Sure! Melted unsalted butter can replace vegetable oil in equal amounts, adding a richer flavor and slightly denser texture, which some people prefer for this cake.

How do I balance the lavender flavor so it’s not overpowering?

The recipe’s careful amount of lavender Earl Grey tea ensures a gentle floral note. If you’re cautious, start with fewer tea bags or less crushed lavender, then adjust on future bakes according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making an Earl Grey Lavender Cake is like inviting a little piece of calm and elegance into your kitchen. Its bright, fragrant nuances paired with a tender crumb and luscious glaze make it a standout treat for any occasion. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a beautiful way to celebrate simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special and heartwarming.

Earl Grey Lavender Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Earl Grey Lavender Cake is a delicate and fragrant dessert that combines the floral notes of lavender with the citrus zest of lemon and the distinctive aroma of Earl Grey tea. Moist and tender, this cake is enhanced with a honey-lemon glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it an elegant treat for afternoon tea or special occasions.

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, crushed lavender Earl Grey tea bags or loose tea, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with a whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, indicating proper aeration and incorporation.
Add Oil and Buttermilk: Gradually mix in the vegetable oil to the egg mixture, followed by the buttermilk, blending well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
Fold Dry Into Wet: Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to maintain the batter’s lightness and prevent overmixing.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Drop the pan from about 2 inches onto the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Prepare Honey-Lemon Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth. Add additional lemon juice as needed to reach a very thick but pourable consistency.
Glaze Cake: Spread the prepared honey-lemon glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Let it set before serving for maximum flavor.

Notes

For homemade buttermilk, combine 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly.
Using full-leaf loose tea instead of tea bags will provide a richer flavor and better texture in the cake.
The glaze consistency can be adjusted depending on preference; add more lemon juice for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker.
Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting or running off.
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American