This Earl Grey Tea Sponge Cake is a delightful treat that’s surprisingly simple to bake. You’ll love its light texture and elegant tea flavor, making it a perfect addition to your soft cake recipes collection. This recipe guides you to a beautifully airy cake that’s ideal for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute with cake flour for an even finer crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Use superfine sugar if you have it, for quicker dissolving.
- Eggs: Ensure they are at room temperature for better volume.
- Earl Grey tea bags: High-quality loose leaf tea can also be used for a stronger flavor.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk works.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags, steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water and cooled
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag, steeped in 1 tablespoon hot water and cooled
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Tools needed: 8-inch round cake pans, electric mixer, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This step ensures your soft cake doesn’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later. This prepares your dry base for a fluffy cake.
3. 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 air pockets, essential for a soft cake.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled, steeped Earl Grey tea. Your batter should look smooth.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your soft cake tough.
6. Divide and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates your soft cake is perfectly cooked.
7. Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting. This prevents your frosting from melting.
8. Make the Earl Grey Frosting (Optional)
While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and the cooled Earl Grey tea from the steeped tea bag. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
9. Frost and Serve
Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread the Earl Grey frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Slice and enjoy your delicious Earl Grey Tea Sponge Cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Glaze: Instead of frosting, use a simple lemon-sugar glaze for a lighter finish.
- Layer with Berries: Fresh berries between the layers can add a lovely tartness.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Earl Grey Tea Sponge Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For best results, allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why are my cakes dense instead of soft? You might have overmixed the batter or used cold ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Can I make this as a bundt cake? Yes, you can. You may need to adjust the baking time; check for doneness around 45-55 minutes.
- How can I make the Earl Grey flavor stronger? You can steep an extra tea bag or let the existing tea steep for a longer period.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
- What kind of tea bags should I use? Use good quality Earl Grey tea bags for the best flavor. Loose-leaf tea also works well.
- Is this a good recipe for beginners? Absolutely! This is one of the easier soft cake recipes to master.