Earl Grey Lavender Cake is a sophisticated dessert that combines the refined flavor of bergamot-scented Earl Grey tea with the delicate floral notes of culinary lavender. This enchanting cake captures the essence of an English garden party with its subtle tea flavor and aromatic lavender that creates an almost magical eating experience. The tender, moist crumb is infused with steeped Earl Grey tea, while dried lavender buds add gentle floral notes that complement rather than overpower the bergamot. Topped with a silky lavender buttercream frosting, this cake strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable. The pale purple hue and delicate fragrance make it as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Each bite delivers layers of complexity that unfold on your palate, starting with the familiar comfort of vanilla cake enhanced by the distinctive Earl Grey flavor and finishing with whispers of lavender that linger pleasantly. This recipe serves 10-12 people and is perfect for afternoon tea parties, special celebrations, or any time you want to create something truly memorable.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely ground
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely ground
- 2 drops purple food coloring (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Preparing the Earl Grey Tea Base
Begin by creating a strong Earl Grey tea concentrate that will infuse your cake with that distinctive bergamot flavor. Steep three Earl Grey tea bags in one cup of hot water for 8-10 minutes to create a robust tea base. You want this tea to be much stronger than what you would normally drink, as some of the flavor will be diluted when mixed into the cake batter.
Remove the tea bags and press them gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Set the tea aside to cool to room temperature. This concentrated tea will be divided between the cake batter and used to enhance the overall Earl Grey flavor throughout the cake.
Preparing Your Lavender
Using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind the dried culinary lavender buds into a fine powder. Be sure to use only culinary-grade lavender, as other varieties may be treated with chemicals or have too strong a flavor. Strain the ground lavender through a fine mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces that could create an unpleasant texture in your cake.
Setting Up for Success
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting with flour. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature by setting them out 30 minutes before baking, as room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
Creating the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and the ground lavender until evenly distributed. The lavender should be evenly dispersed throughout the flour mixture to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and half of the cooled Earl Grey tea concentrate.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, so stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
Add the remaining Earl Grey tea concentrate and mix gently until just combined. The batter should be smooth and have a lovely tea aroma with subtle hints of lavender.
Baking to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The cakes should spring back lightly when touched and start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pans.
Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting. This cooling time is crucial for achieving the proper texture and preventing the frosting from melting.
Making the Lavender Buttercream
Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground lavender, and a pinch of salt.
Beat the frosting for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. If you want a subtle purple tint, add one or two drops of purple food coloring and mix until evenly distributed. The frosting should hold its shape but be spreadable.
Assembling Your Elegant Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread about one-third of the buttercream evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. For a rustic look, create gentle swirls with your spatula. For a more polished appearance, smooth the frosting with a bench scraper or offset spatula.
Final Decorative Touches
Garnish your Earl Grey Lavender Cake with a few whole dried lavender sprigs, fresh lavender flowers if available, or a light dusting of the ground lavender around the base. Some bakers like to add candied lemon peel or fresh berries for color contrast and additional flavor notes.
Serving and Storage
This elegant cake is best served at room temperature when the flavors are most pronounced. Cut with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between slices to maintain clean presentation. The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Pairing Suggestions
Earl Grey Lavender Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, champagne, or even a light dessert wine. The sophisticated flavors make it perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or any gathering where you want to impress with something uniquely delicious.
This cake represents the perfect marriage of familiar comfort and elegant sophistication, transforming your favorite afternoon tea into an unforgettable dessert experience that will have guests asking for the recipe.
