Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup Earl Grey tea (strongly brewed and cooled)
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds (finely ground or processed)
1/4 cup whole milk
For the Lavender Earl Grey Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup Earl Grey tea (strongly brewed and cooled)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds (finely ground or processed)
Instructions:
For the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate small bowl, combine the strongly brewed Earl Grey tea with the finely ground lavender buds. Let this mixture steep for a few minutes to infuse the lavender flavor into the tea.
Mix the lavender-infused Earl Grey tea into the wet ingredients.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Lavender Earl Grey Buttercream:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
Mix in the strongly brewed and cooled Earl Grey tea and finely ground lavender buds until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assembly:
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the Lavender Earl Grey Buttercream on top of the cupcakes using your preferred decorating tip.
Optionally, garnish with a few lavender buds on top for an elegant and fragrant touch.
These Lavender Earl Grey Cupcakes offer a delicate blend of floral and tea flavors, making them perfect for afternoon tea parties or any time you crave a unique and sophisticated dessert. Enjoy the subtle taste of lavender and Earl Grey tea in every bite!