Mother’s Day Earl Grey Tea Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Mother’s Day Earl Grey Tea Cake is a delicate and fragrant dessert, perfect for celebrating with a cup of tea. Infused with the subtle floral notes of Earl Grey and a hint of lemon zest, it’s both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly.
- Step 2: Brew one cup of boiling water with the two Earl Grey tea bags. Let steep for about 5 minutes, then remove the bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the batter, then pour in the brewed tea, milk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing. Serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze for an added touch.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, replace half the milk with heavy cream or sour cream.
- If you prefer a stronger tea taste, let the Earl Grey steep longer or add the loose tea leaves directly to the batter.
- Try adding a handful of finely chopped almonds or walnuts for added texture.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or serve with a warm cup of tea to refresh the flavors.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea for this cake?
Yes, you can experiment with different teas like chamomile, green tea, or chai to create unique flavor profiles. Just adjust the steeping time and quantity to your taste.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs and butter?
Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother, more uniform batter, which results in a tender and evenly baked cake.
PrintMother’s Day Earl Grey Tea Cake Recipe
A delightful and aromatic Earl Grey Tea Cake perfect for Mother’s Day celebrations. This moist cake combines the subtle flavors of Earl Grey tea and lemon zest, enhanced with vanilla, creating a light and fragrant dessert ideal for any tea time or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Brew Tea: Brew two Earl Grey tea bags in one cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes, then let the tea cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the batter later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, usually taking 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the brewed Earl Grey tea, milk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
- Make sure the brewed tea is cooled to avoid curdling the eggs when mixing.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or a lemon glaze on top.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey or any black tea.
Keywords: Earl Grey tea cake, lemon tea cake, Mother’s Day dessert, tea cake, baked tea cake, Earl Grey recipe

