Mini Lavender Earl Grey Tea Cakes

These Mini Lavender Earl Grey Tea Cakes are the perfect blend of floral and citrusy flavors, wrapped in a soft, buttery cake. Infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, these delicate treats are ideal for afternoon tea, brunch, or a sophisticated dessert spread. Plus, they’re topped with a simple, elegant icing that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Perfectly Balanced Flavor

The floral notes from the lavender beautifully complement the bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea, creating a lightly sweet, aromatic cake that feels both comforting and luxurious.

Light and Tender Texture

These cakes are soft, moist, and perfectly buttery with a fine crumb—like a cross between a pound cake and a delicate sponge cake.

Easy and Impressive

Made in a mini Bundt pan, these tea cakes look gorgeous with minimal effort. They’re perfect for entertaining, gifting, or treating yourself to a little elegance.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Tea Cakes:

• ½ cup milk
• 3 Earl Grey tea bags (or 1 tablespoon loose Earl Grey tea)
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Simple Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons water (or as needed to achieve desired consistency)
• Drop of lavender food gel (optional)

Notes on Quality

Use high-quality Earl Grey tea for the best flavor. Loose tea often provides a richer taste than tea bags. For the lavender, make sure it’s culinary grade to avoid bitterness.

Possible Substitutions

• Almond or oat milk can replace regular milk for a dairy-free option
• Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nuttier flavor
• If lavender isn’t available, a small amount of lemon zest can add a fresh, floral note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Lavender Earl Grey Cream

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
2. Add the tea bags or loose tea and stir in the dried culinary lavender.
3. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10-30 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavors.
4. Discard the tea bags and strain out the lavender using a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Chill the infused milk until completely cold.

Making the Tea Cakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a mini Bundt pan with baking spray, using a pastry brush to distribute it evenly into the molds.
2. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until very light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. On low speed, gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Slowly pour in the prepared lavender Earl Grey cream, mixing until smooth. Avoid overmixing.
7. Scoop the batter into the prepared mini Bundt pan molds using a small ice cream scoop or spoons, smoothing the tops.

1. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cakes cool for a few minutes in the pan, then turn them out onto a cooling rack.

Simple Icing

1. Whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more water for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
3. Dip the tops of the tea cakes into the icing, twisting gently to coat, or drizzle over the top and let it drip down the sides.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Let the lavender milk chill completely before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• If using a mini Bundt pan, grease the molds thoroughly to ensure easy release.

Common Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter can make the cakes dense instead of tender.
• Not sifting the dry ingredients may lead to uneven texture.
• Using too much lavender can overpower the flavor and make the cakes taste soapy.

Time-Saving Tips

• Prepare the lavender Earl Grey milk a day in advance and keep it in the fridge.
• Make the icing while the cakes cool to save time.
• Freeze unglazed cakes for up to a month and glaze them fresh when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea to enhance the flavors.
• These cakes pair beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.
• Garnish with dried lavender buds or edible flowers for an extra-special look.

Beverage Pairings

• Pair with a London Fog latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
• For a fancier pairing, serve with a glass of chilled champagne.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to a week if you prefer a firmer texture.
• Freeze individually wrapped cakes for up to 1 month.

Reheating Methods

• If frozen, thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.
• For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a mini Bundt pan?
Yes! You can use a standard muffin tin or a small loaf pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I make these tea cakes gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Troubleshooting

My cakes turned out dry. What went wrong?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark.

Why is my icing too runny?
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the consistency thickens.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make them dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk.
• Replace sugar with honey or coconut sugar for a natural sweetener option.

Flavor Twists

• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Mix in finely chopped pistachios for added texture.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy winter version.
• Decorate with edible flowers for a springtime tea party.

More Delicious Baked Goods

If you love these Mini Lavender Earl Grey Tea Cakes, you’ll also enjoy:

Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake – A classic fruit cake packed with rich flavors and dried fruits.

Iyengar Bakery-Style Eggless Mawa Sooji Cake – A soft, aromatic cake with a unique texture.

Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes – A timeless Southern favorite with a delicate sweetness.

For more recipe inspiration, check out our Pinterest page: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

Try these tea cakes and let me know how they turn out! Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to tag your photos. Happy baking!

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