A moist and fragrant tea-infused loaf cake, this Earl Grey Tea Cake is rich in flavor, packed with dried fruits and warm spices, and offers a comforting, aromatic experience. With a delicate balance of bergamot-scented tea and sweet, spiced fruit, this cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea, making it an ideal treat for Mother’s Day or a cozy afternoon gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicately Flavored – Infused with Earl Grey tea, this cake has a subtle citrusy aroma that enhances its depth of flavor.
Perfect with Tea – The lightly spiced, moist texture makes it a wonderful companion to your favorite brew.
Rich Yet Not Overly Sweet – Balanced sweetness from dried fruit and brown sugar makes it satisfying without being too heavy.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great baking project for any skill level.
Ideal for Gifting – A beautifully baked loaf makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

2 Earl Grey tea bags
¾ cup (180ml) boiling water
1 cup (150g) dried mixed fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup (60ml) milk

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Steep the Tea & Soak the Fruit: Place the Earl Grey tea bags in a cup with boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, then soak the dried mixed fruit in the tea for 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the soaked dried fruit.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with a warm cup of tea.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Citrus Boost: Add 1 tsp of orange or lemon zest for extra brightness.
Nutty Addition: Fold in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Chocolate Twist: Replace the dried fruit with chocolate chips for a tea-and-chocolate pairing.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a simple Earl Grey glaze made from powdered sugar and steeped tea.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for a warmer, deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly for extra crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tea?

Yes! While Earl Grey provides a signature citrusy flavor, you can use English Breakfast, Chai, or Darjeeling for a different twist.

What dried fruits work best?

A mix of raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, or currants works best. You can also use chopped apricots for a tangy touch.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and replace the milk with almond or oat milk.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness. Check for doneness at 40 minutes and ensure you don’t overmix the batter.

Can I add a glaze or frosting?

Yes! A simple tea-infused glaze made with powdered sugar and a little steeped Earl Grey tea adds a nice finishing touch.

Is this cake suitable for afternoon tea?

Absolutely! This cake is perfectly paired with tea, making it ideal for afternoon tea or brunch.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?

Dried fruit is preferred because fresh fruit contains moisture that could affect the cake’s texture.

How do I make this cake fluffier?

Ensure your butter and sugar are creamed properly, and don’t overmix once you add the flour.

Can I bake this cake in a different pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin for tea-infused cupcakes or a round cake pan for a more elegant presentation.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve slices warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or honey, alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea.

Conclusion

The Earl Grey Tea Cake is a beautifully fragrant and comforting treat, perfect for Mother’s Day or a relaxing afternoon. With its tea-infused flavor, soft texture, and delicious mix of dried fruits and spices, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea. Whether enjoyed fresh or lightly toasted, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Serve it warm and savor the delicate flavors!

Earl Grey Tea recipe Cake