Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Culinary Lavender Buds
- 3 Earl Grey Tea Bags
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Gently heat the whole milk until simmering, then remove from heat and steep the Earl Grey tea bags and lavender buds for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture well to remove all solids and set the infused milk aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Step 3: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the cooled lavender Earl Grey milk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed only until the batter is just combined and smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the finished batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 5: To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved lavender Earl Grey milk (or plain milk) until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the completely cooled cake before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To keep the crumb moist and the flavor vibrant, store the cooled, glazed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or wrap well and refrigerate for up to a week.
- To enhance the comforting tea aroma, warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds just until barely warm to the touch, especially delicious if paired with fresh clotted cream.
- Serve slices alongside a generous spoonful of homemade lemon curd or a light, unsweetened yogurt to brighten the subtle floral and citrus notes of the tea.
- Take care not to overmix the final batter; once the flour and infused milk are just combined and smooth, stop immediately to guarantee a tender, light crumb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American