Step into the enchanting world of Downton Abbey with a delightful recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the English countryside! This Lavender Tea Bread is not just a loaf; it's a fragrant experience that combines the delicate essence of lavender with the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread. Perfect for afternoon tea or a charming brunch, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and elevate your culinary repertoire. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a slice of Downton magic in your own kitchen. Ready to bake something extraordinary? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter and line with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, crush the dried lavender slightly with the back of a spoon to release its aromatic oils and enhance flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the crushed lavender and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the bread out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve with afternoon tea, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a light lavender glaze.
Tips
- Choosing the Right Lavender: Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender to ensure it’s safe for consumption and has the best flavor. Avoid lavender from garden centers that may be treated with chemicals.
- Crushing the Lavender: Gently crush the dried lavender before adding it to the batter. This helps release its aromatic oils, enhancing the flavor profile of your bread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This will help create a smoother batter and a lighter texture in the finished bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, so be gentle!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Serving Suggestions: This Lavender Tea Bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling a light lavender glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to a month for a quick treat anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
