Lavender Earl Grey Cake Recipe
Lavender Earl Grey Cake: A Delicate Fusion of Flavors
Indulge in the captivating aroma and exquisite taste of a Lavender Earl Grey Cake. This delightful confection combines the floral notes of lavender with the bergamot-infused flavors of Earl Grey tea, creating a cake that is both sophisticated and comforting. Perfect for afternoon tea parties, special occasions, or as a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake will whisk you away on a journey of delicate flavors and heavenly scents.
Ingredients:
For the Lavender Earl Grey Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon culinary-grade dried lavender buds
– 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added brightness)
For the Lavender Earl Grey Buttercream:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea concentrate (brewed strong Earl Grey tea, cooled)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon culinary-grade dried lavender buds (finely ground)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, finely grind the dried lavender buds and Earl Grey tea leaves. Combine this mixture with the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Lavender Earl Grey Buttercream:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the Earl Grey tea concentrate and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the finely ground dried lavender buds.
Assembling the Cake:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of Lavender Earl Grey Buttercream on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
3. For a final touch, garnish with additional dried lavender buds or edible flowers, if desired.
Now that your Lavender Earl Grey Cake is ready, it’s time to savor the delicate fusion of flavors that make this cake truly special. The combination of lavender and Earl Grey tea creates a beautifully fragrant and refined treat that is sure to impress and delight. Serve it at your next afternoon tea party, share it with loved ones during special occasions, or enjoy it as a sweet indulgence whenever you need a moment of culinary bliss. This Lavender Earl Grey Cake is a gift to your taste buds and an enchanting addition to your dessert repertoire. Happy baking and savoring the magic of this delightful creation!