Imagine biting into a delicate cupcake that transports you to a sophisticated British tea party, where the aromatic essence of Earl Grey tea dances with bright, zesty lemon notes. These aren't just ordinary cupcakes – they're a culinary experience that elevates the humble dessert into a gourmet masterpiece. Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, these Earl Grey Cupcakes with Lemon are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Steep the Earl Grey tea leaves in warm milk for 10 minutes, then strain and let the milk cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the strained Earl Grey-infused milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the fresh lemon zest, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Frost with lemon buttercream or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Tea Infusion Secret: For the most intense Earl Grey flavor, use high-quality loose leaf tea and ensure you steep it properly in the warm milk.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep your cupcakes light and tender.
- Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor – avoid using dried or pre-packaged zest.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Storage Tip: These cupcakes stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea to complement the cupcakes' flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
