This Earl Grey and Lavender Bundt cake is a delightful choice for your next tea time. You will love the delicate floral notes and rich tea flavor in this beautiful and easy-to-make cake. It’s a perfect addition to any collection of cake recipes for tea time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Granulated sugar: Use brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Margarine works as a substitute.
- Large eggs: Egg replacers can be used if you need an egg-free option.
- Earl Grey tea bags: Loose leaf Earl Grey tea can be used; steep 2 tablespoons.
- Dried culinary lavender: Ensure it is culinary grade for safe consumption.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags, steeped in ¼ cup hot milk, then milk cooled
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried culinary lavender
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Tools Needed: Bundt pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly. This step is crucial for a clean release.
2. Infuse the Milk
Steep the Earl Grey tea bags in ¼ cup hot milk for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and let the milk cool. This infuses the milk with a lovely tea flavor for your cake.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a good base for your cake.
5. Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the cooled Earl Grey infused milk and the dried culinary lavender.
6. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Bake the Bundt Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over your beautiful Earl Grey and Lavender Bundt cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Orange Blossom Water: Replace a portion of the milk in the glaze with orange blossom water for a different floral note.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped almonds or pistachios into the Bundt pan before adding the batter for a textured crust.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Earl Grey and Lavender Bundt cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake slices at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use fresh lavender?
It’s best to use dried culinary lavender as fresh can have a stronger, sometimes bitter, taste.
- Why is my cake dry?
Your cake might be dry if you overbaked it or measured the flour incorrectly. Ensure you scoop and level your flour properly.
- What kind of Bundt pan should I use?
A 10-12 cup Bundt pan is ideal for this recipe. Make sure it’s non-stick and well-greased.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use plant-based butter and buttermilk alternatives, along with plant-based milk for tea steeping and glazing.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan, ensuring every crevice is covered. You can also use a baking spray with flour.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making a day in advance. Glaze it just before serving for the freshest look. This makes it a great option when you’re preparing cake recipes for tea time.