Do Share Recipe

I recently baked this Earl Grey Lavender Cake Recipe, and I have to say, it was such a delightful experience! The delicate floral notes from the lavender combined with the distinct, comforting aroma of Earl Grey tea made every bite feel special.

I loved how the cake turned out moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Baking this recipe felt like a little journey of flavors in my own kitchen.

You can also enjoy similar recipes like Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Skewers with Walnut Honey Recipe and Raspberry Surprise Coconut Snowball Cake Recipe for a variety of sweet and savory treats! I can’t wait to share all the tips and steps with you so you can enjoy it too!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bake this floral cake. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance flavor and texture.

1 cup whole milk – warmed, to steep the Earl Grey and lavender for maximum flavor
3 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves – adds that signature bergamot flavor
2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender – for a gentle floral aroma
2 ½ cups cake flour – ensures a soft, tender crumb
1 teaspoon baking powder – for lightness and lift
½ teaspoon baking soda – balances acidity and texture
¼ teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor
¾ cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature for better mixing
1 ½ cups granulated sugar – provides sweetness and structure
7 large egg whites – contributes to a fluffy, airy cake
½ cup sour cream – keeps the cake moist and tender
¼ cup vegetable oil – adds extra moisture without altering flavor
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor

Note: several servings

Pro Tips for Ingredients:

Always use fresh, high-quality butter and grind your tea leaves slightly if you want a more intense flavor.
Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature to whip more effectively.
Use culinary lavender, not ornamental, for a safe and subtle taste.

Variations

You can easily tweak this cake to suit dietary needs or personal preferences:

Dairy-Free: Replace milk and butter with almond or oat milk and vegan butter.
Sugar-Free: Use a granulated sugar substitute, like erythritol, while keeping the texture intact.
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a hint of honey to complement the lavender.
Gluten-Free: Swap cake flour for a gluten-free blend for a light, delicate cake.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long this recipe takes:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 32-35 minutes
Total Time: 57-60 minutes

Equipment You Need

3 8-inch cake pans – for even layers
Serrated knife – to level the cake tops
Spinning cake stand – for easier frosting and decorating
Electric mixer – hand or stand, for smooth batter and frosting
Offset spatula – for spreading frosting evenly
Piping bags and tips – for decorative buttercream flowers
Wire racks – to cool cakes evenly

How to Make Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

First, steep the Earl Grey tea and lavender in warm milk for about 15 minutes. This infuses the liquid with fragrant flavor. Mix the dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet ingredients to form a smooth batter. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake.

Step 2: Cool and Level the Layers

Once baked, let the cake layers cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges with a spatula and transfer to wire racks. Use a serrated knife to level the tops so stacking is easier.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare a Swiss meringue buttercream base. Add lavender-infused milk for flavor. Whip until light and fluffy, adjusting sweetness to your preference.

Step 4: Stack and Fill

Place the first cake layer on a cake board or plate and secure it with a dab of frosting. Spread an even layer of buttercream, then repeat with remaining layers. Top layer can be placed upside down to simplify frosting.

Step 5: Crumb Coat and Chill

Apply a thin layer of frosting to trap crumbs, then smooth with an offset spatula or bench scraper. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or freezer for 10 minutes until firm.

Step 6: Final Frosting and Decoration

Apply a second, thicker layer of frosting and smooth it for a clean finish. Decorate with buttercream flowers using piping bags and tips for an elegant touch.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I always steep the tea and lavender longer for a richer aroma.
I make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; it helps everything mix smoothly.
I chill the layers slightly before stacking to prevent sliding.
I use a serrated knife to level layers for professional-looking cakes.

How to Serve Earl Grey Lavender Cake

Serve slices on a pretty dessert plate with a small sprig of lavender on top. Pair it with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea to complement the flavors. You can dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea per serving:

Calories: 360 kcal – a sweet treat without overindulgence
Protein: 4 g – from eggs and milk
Carbohydrates: 50 g – mainly from sugar and flour
Fat: 15 g – from butter and oil, adding richness

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing the Cake Layers

You can freeze baked layers in an airtight wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Storing Frosting

Buttercream can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for 1 month. Stir well after thawing.

Leftovers

Cover cut sections with leftover frosting to keep moist. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this cake is a must-try:

Floral and Elegant: The lavender and Earl Grey flavor combination is sophisticated yet subtle.
Moist and Light: The recipe produces a tender crumb that isn’t too dense.
Customizable: Perfect for dairy-free, sugar-free, or gluten-free variations.
Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions make it approachable for home bakers.
Stunning Presentation: Buttercream flowers make it beautiful enough for special occasions.

This Earl Grey Lavender Cake is truly a treat, both to make and to enjoy. The flavor, aroma, and texture all come together to create a cake that’s delicate, elegant, and utterly irresistible.

Ben Carraoli