Vanilla Earl Grey Tea Loaf Cake Recipe
Vanilla Earl Grey Tea Loaf Cake Recipe
Few things feel as effortlessly refined as the combination of Earl Grey tea, fresh lemon zest, and real vanilla. This Vanilla Earl Grey Tea Cake is a light, moist loaf with gentle citrus notes and the distinctive floral aroma of bergamot — perfect for spring garden parties, afternoon teas, or a quiet moment to yourself with a good brew.
Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply baking for pleasure, this is one of those simple recipes that never fails to charm.
Ingredients
120ml strong brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
180g plain flour
1½ tsp baking powder
100g unsalted butter, softened
120g caster sugar
2 medium eggs
1 tsp vanilla paste
Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
Method
Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan 150°C) and line a standard loaf tin with baking paper.
Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla paste and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the cooled tea, and stir until smooth.
Pour into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Lemon Glaze
If you’d like to finish your cake with something a little extra, this simple lemon glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a delicate zing:
Ingredients:
100g icing sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (strained)
Method:
Sift the icing sugar into a bowl.
Slowly add lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you have a smooth, pourable consistency.
Drizzle over the cooled cake and leave to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Ideas
Serve in generous slices with a pot of Earl Grey, or with crème fraiche and fresh raspberries for a light dessert. It’s an elegant addition to any table — particularly lovely for spring and summer entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s something comforting and nostalgic about a simple loaf cake, but this one carries just enough intrigue to make it feel special. The subtle floral notes of Earl Grey, balanced by citrus and vanilla, make this cake a quiet standout — easy to bake, even easier to enjoy.
A Quiet Word on Hosting
If you're planning a celebration and love the idea of bakes like this — full of character, flavour and thoughtfulness — it’s worth knowing that we often create similar recipes for our clients. Whether it’s a tea-themed wedding, a seasonal lunch, or a relaxed birthday gathering, food that feels like a treat is something we specialise in. We’d love to chat.