Before the title even begins, imagine the aroma of warm vanilla cake infused with delicate Earl Grey tea, hints of bergamot drifting through your kitchen, and silky lavender buttercream piped beautifully on top. These cupcakes aren’t just dessert — they’re an experience.

Perfect for afternoon tea parties, bridal showers, birthdays, or whenever you want to bake something refined and unforgettable, these Earl Grey Cupcakes combine citrusy tea notes with soft floral sweetness in the most elegant way possible.

They taste sophisticated but are surprisingly simple to make.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lavender Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon culinary lavender (finely ground)
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Heat milk gently until warm (not boiling). Add Earl Grey tea and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Alternate adding dry ingredients and cooled tea-infused milk to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
8. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full.
9. Bake 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Cool completely before frosting.
11. For buttercream, beat butter until creamy.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
13. Add ground lavender, vanilla, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy.
14. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

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Flavor Profile

The cupcakes are soft, tender, and subtly infused with Earl Grey’s signature bergamot citrus notes. The lavender buttercream adds a delicate floral sweetness that doesn’t overpower — it complements beautifully.

The balance between tea and floral flavors makes these cupcakes feel luxurious yet light.

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Tips for Perfect Earl Grey Cupcakes

• Use culinary-grade lavender only
• Do not over-steep tea (it can become bitter)
• Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting
• Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting

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Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with dried lavender buds
• Add a lemon zest sprinkle for brightness
• Serve with hot tea or iced lemonade
• Display on tiered stands for tea parties

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Storage

• Store in airtight container up to 3 days
• Refrigerate if warm climate
• Bring to room temperature before serving

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