Fragrant Earl Grey Pound Cake
Aromatic Earl Grey Pound Cake Perfect with Tea
This pound cake is infused with the rich aroma of Earl Grey tea, elevating the classic recipe to a new level of fragrance. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, making it an ideal dessert for your afternoon tea time.
Pound Cake Batter Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cake flour (approx. 75g)
- 110g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (approx. 30g)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (approx. 100g)
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag
- 1 tsp baking powder (approx. 4g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (approx. 1g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (approx. 2.5ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your unsalted butter. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature; it should be pliable and soft to the touch, not melted. This is crucial for a smooth batter.
Step 2
Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream the butter until it’s light and fluffy, resembling a smooth, pale yellow paste. Incorporating air at this stage helps create a tender cake.
Step 3
Add the 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the creamed butter. You can adjust the sugar slightly to your preference, but it’s recommended to follow the recipe for the best texture and sweetness balance.
Step 4
Whisk the butter and sugar together vigorously until well combined and the mixture becomes creamy and lighter in color, like pale yellow. Continue mixing until the sugar granules are mostly dissolved for a smooth cake texture.
Step 5
In a separate small bowl, crack the 2 large eggs. Whisk them gently just until the yolks and whites are combined. Make sure your eggs are also at room temperature to prevent the butter mixture from separating.
Step 6
Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, a little at a time, whisking well after each addition. Adding eggs slowly is key to achieving a stable emulsion and preventing the batter from curdling.
Step 7
Whisk briskly each time you add the eggs to help emulsify the mixture. If the batter looks like it’s starting to separate, don’t worry too much! Sometimes adding a tablespoon of the flour mixture can help bring it back together.
Step 8
Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the Earl Grey.
Step 9
Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together into a separate bowl. Then, sift this dry ingredient mixture over the butter and egg mixture. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a lighter cake.
Step 10
Open the Earl Grey tea bag and add the tea leaves directly to the dry ingredients. You can lightly crush the leaves beforehand if you prefer a more intense flavor.
Step 11
Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tough cake.
Step 12
Pour the batter into a prepared 5.75 x 3 inch pound cake pan. To help the cake bake evenly with a nice dome, create a slight well in the center by pushing the batter slightly up the sides of the pan.
Step 13
Using a knife or a small offset spatula, score a line down the center of the batter. This cut will encourage the cake to rise beautifully and split evenly in the middle as it bakes.
Step 14
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 15
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Let it rest at room temperature for at least an hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the cake to become even more moist and flavorful.
Step 16
Your incredibly moist and fragrant Earl Grey Pound Cake is now ready! Enjoy the delightful aroma of black tea infused into every bite.
Step 17
For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a simple glaze. It’s perfect for a relaxing tea time!
