Earl Grey tea cake transforms your favorite afternoon tea into an elegant dessert that’s absolutely irresistible. We’ve perfected this recipe to capture the sophisticated blend of bergamot citrus and black tea that makes Earl Grey so beloved. The result is a moist tender crumb infused with aromatic tea flavors that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a cozy English tearoom.
What makes this cake truly special is how the bergamot oil creates subtle floral notes throughout every bite. We’ve found that steeping the tea directly in warm butter releases maximum flavor while keeping the texture incredibly soft. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon gathering or treating yourself to something special this Earl Grey tea cake delivers bakery-quality results right from your own oven.
The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry already. This recipe proves that extraordinary flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality tea and a little baking magic.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to create the perfect balance of Earl Grey flavor and moist cake texture. Our ingredient list ensures you can achieve that distinctive bergamot aroma and tender crumb that makes this cake truly special.
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves, finely ground
For the Earl Grey Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags, contents removed and finely ground
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Creating our Earl Grey tea cake requires several essential pieces of equipment to achieve the perfect texture and flavor infusion. We recommend gathering these tools before starting to ensure a smooth baking process.
Oven serves as the foundation for baking our cake to golden perfection. Standard home ovens work beautifully for this recipe when preheated to the correct temperature.
Electric mixer becomes crucial for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates the tender crumb texture that makes our Earl Grey cake so delightful. A stand mixer or handheld electric mixer both work effectively.
8-inch round cake pan provides the ideal size for our recipe proportions. We always grease this pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Parchment paper acts as our insurance policy against cake disasters. Lining the bottom of our greased pan creates a foolproof release system that keeps our beautiful cake intact.
Rubber spatula helps us fold ingredients together gently without overmixing. This tool preserves the delicate structure we created during the creaming process.
Cooling rack allows proper air circulation around our finished cake. Cooling the cake completely on a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms and ensures the perfect texture for frosting application.
Fine mesh strainer proves invaluable for removing tea leaves after steeping them in warm butter. This step ensures our cake has pure Earl Grey flavor without any gritty texture from loose tea particles.
Small saucepan enables us to warm the butter and steep the tea leaves properly. This gentle heating method extracts maximum bergamot flavor without burning the delicate tea compounds.
Instructions
We’ll walk through each step to create our perfectly flavored Earl Grey tea cake with its signature bergamot aroma. The process involves careful tea preparation and gentle mixing techniques to achieve the ideal texture.
Prep the Earl Grey Tea
We begin by warming 1/2 cup of whole milk in our small saucepan over medium heat until steam begins to rise. Remove the milk from heat and steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags for 30 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Press the bags gently against the side of the pan before discarding them. Allow the infused milk to cool to room temperature while we prepare our butter mixture.
In the same saucepan we melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted we add 1 tablespoon of finely ground loose Earl Grey tea leaves directly to the warm butter. Let this mixture steep for 15 minutes off the heat then strain through our fine mesh strainer to remove the tea particles. We want the butter to retain that distinctive bergamot essence without any gritty texture.
Make the Cake Batter
Using our electric mixer we cream the tea-infused butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process takes about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. We add our 2 large eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. The vanilla extract goes in next along with our cooled Earl Grey milk.
In a separate bowl we whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. We add these dry ingredients to our wet mixture in three additions alternating with gentle folding motions using our rubber spatula. Mix just until the flour disappears to avoid overworking the batter.
Bake the Cake
Our preheated 325°F oven provides the perfect gentle heat for even baking. We pour the batter into our prepared 8-inch round cake pan that we’ve lined with parchment paper and greased. Smooth the top gently with our spatula to ensure even distribution.
The cake bakes for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. We avoid overbaking to maintain the tender crumb texture that makes this cake special. Once done we let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto our cooling rack.
Prepare the Frosting
For our Earl Grey frosting we beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 4 tablespoons of softened butter using our electric mixer until completely smooth. Gradually we add 2 cups of powdered sugar beating until fluffy and well combined.
We incorporate 2 tablespoons of heavy cream 1 teaspoon of ground Earl Grey tea 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture for an additional 2 minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency with visible tea specks that add visual appeal and flavor bursts.
Assemble the Cake
Once our cake has cooled completely we place it on our serving plate. Using an offset spatula or knife we spread the Earl Grey frosting evenly across the top of the cake. We can create decorative swirls or keep it smooth depending on our preference.
For an elegant finishing touch we lightly dust the frosted cake with additional ground Earl Grey tea or garnish with a few whole tea leaves. The assembled cake benefits from resting for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead transforms this Earl Grey tea cake into a stress-free dessert option for special occasions or entertaining. We recommend preparing components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor while reducing last-minute preparation time.
Baking the Cake Layers in Advance
The cake layers freeze beautifully and actually improve in texture when prepared 1-2 days ahead. We suggest baking the cake completely and allowing it to cool thoroughly on a wire rack before wrapping. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Preparing the Earl Grey Frosting
Our Earl Grey cream cheese frosting holds well when made ahead and benefits from resting time. Prepare the frosting up to 24 hours before assembly and store it covered in the refrigerator. Remove the frosting 30 minutes before use and re-whip briefly to restore its smooth spreading consistency.
Tea Infusion Components
The Earl Grey tea-infused elements can be prepared in advance for deeper flavor development. Steep the tea in milk and infuse the butter with ground tea leaves up to 2 days ahead. Store the tea-infused milk covered in the refrigerator and keep the butter mixture at room temperature in a sealed container.
Assembly Timeline
| Task | Timing | Storage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bake cake layers | 1-2 days ahead | Room temperature, wrapped |
| Prepare frosting | Up to 24 hours ahead | Refrigerated, covered |
| Infuse tea components | Up to 2 days ahead | Milk refrigerated, butter at room temp |
| Final assembly | Day of serving | Refrigerate assembled cake |
Assemble the finished cake on the day of serving for best presentation and texture. The completed cake benefits from a 2-hour rest in the refrigerator before serving to allow the Earl Grey flavors to meld and the frosting to set properly.
Storage Tips
We recommend storing your Earl Grey tea cake properly to maintain its delicate bergamot flavor and moist texture for days to come.
Room Temperature Storage
For plain Earl Grey cake without frosting or perishable toppings, we store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This method keeps the cake fresh for 2 to 5 days depending on the moisture content of your exact recipe. We wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap as an alternative to ensure no air exposure compromises the texture.
Refrigeration Requirements
When our Earl Grey cake features cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or other perishable toppings, refrigeration becomes essential. We place the frosted cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. This storage method prevents spoilage while maintaining the quality of both cake and frosting components.
Freezing for Extended Storage
We freeze Earl Grey tea cake for longer term storage lasting 1 to 2 months. After the cake cools completely, we wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. For thawing, we transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight or let it come to room temperature naturally before serving.
Pre-baked Layer Storage
Our cake layers baked in advance store beautifully when wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, we freeze these unfrosted layers for up to two months, which actually improves their texture and makes assembly easier later.
Additional Storage Considerations
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2-5 days | Plain cake without perishable toppings |
| Refrigeration | 4-5 days | Frosted cake with cream cheese or whipped cream |
| Freezing | 1-2 months | Long term storage or make-ahead preparation |
We store glazed cakes at room temperature rather than refrigerating them. When freezing glazed cakes, we prefer to freeze them before applying the glaze or remove the glaze entirely for best results. Before serving refrigerated Earl Grey cake, we bring it to room temperature for optimal texture and to allow the bergamot flavors to fully bloom.
Serving Suggestions
We find Earl Grey tea cake tastes exceptional when served warm alongside a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee. The gentle heat amplifies the bergamot oils and creates a comforting experience that pairs beautifully with afternoon tea service. Room temperature presentation works equally well for lighter occasions when we want to showcase the cake’s delicate crumb structure.
Dusting the cake with powdered sugar creates an elegant finish that complements the sophisticated Earl Grey flavors. We recommend serving generous dollops of homemade whipped cream or premium vanilla ice cream to balance the tea’s subtle bitterness with creamy sweetness. Fresh berries make an excellent accompaniment that adds both color and tartness to each bite.
Our favorite enhancement involves pairing the cake with complementary spreads and fillings. Whipped cream cheese frosting provides a tangy contrast that highlights the bergamot notes without overwhelming them. Lemon curd creates another exceptional pairing that builds on the citrusy elements already present in Earl Grey tea.
We love serving this cake in different presentation styles depending on the occasion. Mini bundt shapes create visually appealing individual portions perfect for elegant gatherings or special events. Traditional loaf presentations work wonderfully for casual brunches or family desserts where we can slice generous portions.
Brushing the warm cake with honey and lemon syrup adds another layer of fragrance and sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. This technique works particularly well when we want to create a more indulgent dessert experience while maintaining the sophisticated tea house atmosphere.
Conclusion
This Earl Grey tea cake truly captures the essence of a traditional English tearoom in every bite. We’ve shown you how simple pantry ingredients can create something extraordinary when combined with the right techniques and timing.
Whether you’re hosting an elegant afternoon gathering or treating yourself to a quiet moment with tea this recipe delivers both sophistication and comfort. The make-ahead options and storage tips we’ve shared ensure you can enjoy this delightful cake whenever the mood strikes.
We’re confident this bergamot-infused creation will become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire bringing warmth and refinement to any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Earl Grey tea cake stay fresh?
Earl Grey tea cake without frosting stays fresh at room temperature for 2-5 days in an airtight container. With cream cheese frosting, refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake for 1-2 months. Always bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I make Earl Grey tea cake ahead of time?
Yes! Cake layers can be baked 1-2 days in advance and stored at room temperature, or frozen for improved texture. Earl Grey frosting can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead. Tea-infused components like the butter and milk mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance.
What makes Earl Grey tea cake special?
Earl Grey tea cake features the distinctive bergamot citrus flavor from Earl Grey tea, creating an aromatic dessert reminiscent of an English tearoom. The recipe infuses both the butter and milk with tea, resulting in a moist cake with complex flavors that perfectly complement afternoon tea.
What equipment do I need to make Earl Grey tea cake?
Essential equipment includes a preheated oven, electric mixer, 8-inch round cake pan, rubber spatula, cooling rack, fine mesh strainer, and small saucepan. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the proper texture and ensuring optimal tea flavor infusion throughout the baking process.
How should I serve Earl Grey tea cake?
Serve the cake warm with freshly brewed tea or coffee to amplify the bergamot oils. Dust with powdered sugar for elegance, or pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or lemon curd. Consider brushing warm cake with honey-lemon syrup for added indulgence.
Can I use loose Earl Grey tea instead of tea bags?
Yes! The recipe calls for both tea bags (for steeping in milk) and finely ground loose Earl Grey tea leaves (for infusing butter). Using loose tea often provides more intense flavor than tea bags, making it an excellent choice for this recipe’s tea infusion techniques.
