Lavender Tea Bread Recipe

This Lavender Tea Bread is the perfect balance of floral, sweet, and buttery goodness. It’s moist, tender, and infused with delicate lavender cream, making it ideal for an afternoon tea or a cozy morning treat. The rich vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle earthiness of lavender, and the light glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert or a way to celebrate the blooming lavender season, this loaf is sure to impress!

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a great beginner-friendly bake.
• Perfect for tea time – This light and floral loaf pairs wonderfully with hot tea or coffee.
• Great for gifting – Wrap a loaf in parchment paper and ribbon for a homemade gift.
• Can be made ahead – Stays moist for days, making it a great make-ahead treat.

Taste & Texture

• Moist and buttery – Thanks to creamed butter and milk-infused lavender.
• Light floral notes – The lavender brings a subtle but fragrant touch without being overpowering.
• Sweet vanilla aroma – A rich and comforting flavor that complements the lavender beautifully.

Dietary Attributes

• Can be made gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Can be adjusted to be dairy-free (see substitutions below).

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Bread:

• ¾ cup milk (or vanilla creamer) – Adds moisture and richness
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender (or 1 tablespoon fresh lavender) – Provides floral notes
• 6 tablespoons butter (85g, softened) – Creates a tender crumb
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the loaf
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – The base of the batter
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the bread rise
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (62g) sifted powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet topping
• 2 teaspoons water – Adjusts consistency
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla (optional) – Adds extra flavor

Notes on Quality

• Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure the best flavor without bitterness
• High-quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in taste
• Room temperature eggs and butter will blend better into the batter

Possible Substitutions

• Dairy-free option: Swap butter for plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Lower sugar version: Reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
• Infuse the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk and lavender over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Cream the butter and sugar: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Alternate additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the lavender-infused milk. Mix until just combined.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prepare the glaze: Mix the powdered sugar and water until smooth. Drizzle over the warm or cooled loaf.
• Let the loaf cool completely before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Don’t overmix the batter, as it can lead to a dense loaf
• Use fresh lavender sparingly; it has a stronger flavor than dried lavender
• Let the infused milk cool before adding it to the batter to avoid scrambling the eggs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the lavender infusion: This step deepens the flavor
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the loaf from 40 minutes onward to prevent dryness
• Using too much lavender: A little goes a long way—too much can make the bread taste soapy

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the lavender milk ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours
• Use a stand mixer to speed up creaming the butter and sugar

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with Earl Grey tea or chamomile tea to complement the floral notes
• Pair with honey butter or lemon curd for extra flavor

Presentation Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
• Garnish with a few dried lavender buds on top of the glaze

Beverage Pairings

• Iced lavender latte for a refreshing option
• Sparkling lemonade to add a citrusy contrast

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Keep in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness
• Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months

Reheating Methods

• Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh taste
• Toast slices lightly and spread with butter for a crisp texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, but use half the amount since fresh lavender has a more intense flavor

How do I make this less sweet?
Reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or skip the glaze

Troubleshooting

My bread turned out dry. What went wrong?
It may have been overbaked—check for doneness at 40 minutes

Why does my bread taste too floral?
Too much lavender can be overpowering—try using less next time

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and dairy-free butter
• Sugar-free option: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol

Flavor Twists

• Add lemon zest for a bright, citrusy contrast
• Mix in white chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Spring version: Top with edible flowers for a garden-party aesthetic
• Winter version: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth

Conclusion

This Lavender Tea Bread is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, making it a must-try for any tea lover. With its moist texture, delicate floral notes, and easy-to-make glaze, it’s a great addition to any brunch or afternoon tea. If you love unique baked goods, be sure to check out these other delicious treats:

Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake
Iyengar Bakery-Style Eggless Mawa Sooji Cake
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments! For more delicious inspiration, follow along on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie

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