Earl Grey Tea Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished your afternoon cup of tea could be transformed into a tender, fragrant dessert, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Earl Grey Tea Cake. It’s impossibly moist, delicately infused with citrusy Earl Grey notes, and just sweet enough to make every bite feel like a cozy celebration. Whether you’re a lifelong tea lover or just after an elegant loaf cake perfect for teatime gatherings, brunch, or a little me-moment, this recipe brings a touch of British charm—and a burst of personality—to your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Earl Grey Tea Cake is refreshingly straightforward. Each element serves a clear purpose: from the bright pop of lemon zest to the signature aroma of Earl Grey, every item adds its own character to create a cake that’s truly memorable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Lifts the batter so your tea cake turns out light instead of dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch is needed to balance and elevate all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps develop a beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a lovely golden crust.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure, ensuring the cake doesn’t crumble apart.
• Milk: Brings the batter together and adds moisture for a fine, tender crumb.
• Earl Grey tea leaves: The star of the show—fragrant, floral, and wonderfully aromatic. Choose your favorite brand or variety!
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the tea’s citrusy notes.
• Lemon zest: Brightens the cake, enhancing the bergamot in the Earl Grey tea leaves.

How to Make Earl Grey Tea Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a loaf pan. This ensures your Earl Grey Tea Cake releases easily and bakes evenly. If you like, line the pan with parchment for extra security—it makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step disperses the leavening agents and salt evenly, so the cake rises beautifully and the flavor is balanced in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s pale, fluffy, and creamy. This creates that gorgeous, tender texture everyone loves in a classic Earl Grey Tea Cake. Don’t rush this step—a good five minutes makes all the difference!

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This keeps the batter smooth and helps the cake stay light—no curdling here!

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing gently until everything is silky and well combined. The milk adds moisture, while the lemon and vanilla lift the flavors to new heights. Take a second to inhale the scrumptious aroma!

Step 6: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet batter, working just until you see no dry patches. Overmixing at this stage can make the tea cake tough, so use a soft touch for a perfectly tender crumb.

Step 7: Add Earl Grey Tea Leaves

Sprinkle the Earl Grey tea leaves into the batter and stir until evenly dispersed. The flecks look gorgeous and the flavor infuses every slice. If you want a subtler tea flavor, feel free to use a little less than a tablespoon.

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell divine—and it’s hard not to peek!

Step 9: Cool and Unmold

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to help it set, then gently remove it and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve the Earl Grey Tea Cake warm or at room temperature, depending on your mood.

How to Serve Earl Grey Tea Cake

Garnishes

A drizzle of simple lemon glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar adds both beauty and extra flavor to your Earl Grey Tea Cake. You could also scatter some edible flowers or candied citrus peel over the top for a showstopping finish—treat yourself!

Side Dishes

This cake shines next to softly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a pile of juicy fresh berries. Pair it with—you guessed it—a cup of hot Earl Grey for the most delightful afternoon treat, or try it alongside creamy yogurt for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve thick slices stacked on a pretty plate for a rustic look, or go dainty with thin slices arranged on a tiered stand for a tea party. For a bold twist, use cake cubes as a base for an elegant trifle layered with lemon curd and cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Earl Grey Tea Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors mellow and become even more delicious by the next day, making it a wonderful make-ahead treat.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in two layers of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture and flavor—perfect for those urgent cake cravings!

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a low oven if you prefer your Earl Grey Tea Cake just-out-of-the-oven soft. Add your favorite toppings after reheating for a fresh-from-the-bakery feel.

FAQs

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose tea leaves?

Absolutely! Simply cut open a few bags of your favorite Earl Grey tea until you have one tablespoon’s worth. The finer cut leaves from the bags will still infuse the cake with that classic flavor you love.

What’s the best loaf pan size for this recipe?

A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works perfectly for this Earl Grey Tea Cake. If you use a different size, just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller pans may bake faster and deeper ones could take a bit longer.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your leavening agent (baking powder) is also gluten-free, and be mindful that the texture may change slightly but will still taste wonderful.

How strong will the tea flavor be?

The tea flavor in this cake is gentle but distinct, with floral and citrus notes from the bergamot shining through. If you’d like a more intense Earl Grey flavor, you can add an extra half tablespoon of tea leaves or infuse the milk with tea before using.

Is it okay to add mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate?

Definitely! Chopped pistachios, almonds, or even a handful of white chocolate chips would be delicious in your Earl Grey Tea Cake. Just stir them in with the tea leaves for a little extra surprise in every bite.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Earl Grey Tea Cake becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels special but is simple enough for everyday baking—so go ahead, brew a little magic and treat yourself!