Earl Grey-Infused Lemon Cupcakes

Celebrate World Baking Day with Earl Grey-Infused Lemon Cupcakes

As we celebrate World Baking Day here in a couple of days, there's no better way to indulge in the joy of baking than with a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of Earl Grey tea and zesty lemon. Introducing the Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes – a delightful fusion of citrusy freshness and aromatic tea goodness that's sure to delight your taste buds and uplift your spirits.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe: The Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes are a celebration of the harmonious pairing of two beloved flavors – Earl Grey tea and lemon. Earl Grey tea, with its distinctive bergamot aroma and delicate flavor, lends a subtle sophistication to these cupcakes, while fresh lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing twist. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a blissful state of culinary delight.

Key Ingredients:

• Earl Grey Tea: I infuse the cupcakes with the fragrant essence of Earl Grey tea, adding a subtle floral and citrusy note to the batter.

• Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest imparts a vibrant lemon flavor and aroma to the cupcakes, enhancing their freshness and brightness.

• Lemon Buttercream Frosting: The cupcakes are crowned with a luscious lemon buttercream frosting, made with real lemon juice and zest for a burst of citrusy goodness with every bite.

The Recipe: These Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes are easy to make and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create these delightful treats in your own kitchen:

Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes Recipe:

Ingredients:

• - 1 cup all-purpose flour

• - 1 teaspoon baking powder

• - 1/4 teaspoon salt

• - 2 Earl Grey tea bags

• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• - 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• - 2 large eggs

• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• - Zest of 1 lemon

• - 1/4 cup milk

• - 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea-infused milk (see instructions below)

• - Lemon Buttercream Frosting (recipe below)

• - Lemon slices and lavender, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the contents of the Earl Grey tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then strain out the tea leaves and set the infused milk aside to cool.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and Earl Grey tea-infused milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

9. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with Lemon Buttercream Frosting (recipe below). Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• - 2 cups powdered sugar

• - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• - Zest of 1 lemon

• - 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (if needed)

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.

3. Beat in the lemon juice and lemon zest until well combined.

4. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

5. Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them generously with the Lemon Buttercream Frosting.

Enjoy these delightful Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes as a delicious treat with your favorite cup of tea! Keep reading for pairing Suggestions.

Pairing Suggestions: Pair your Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate tea and cake experience. The delicate floral notes of the tea complement the citrusy flavors of the cupcakes, creating a match made in culinary heaven.

Share the Joy of Baking: Celebrate World Baking Day by sharing the joy of baking with your friends and family. Whip up a batch of this Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes and spread happiness one delicious bite at a time. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or shared at a gathering with loved ones, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.

Get Baking Today: Ready to embark on a baking adventure? Head to your kitchen and bake up a batch of Earl Grey-infused Lemon Cupcakes to celebrate World Baking Day in style. Don't forget to share your baking creations with me on social media using #WorldBakingDay and tag @bourneagaingoods – I can't wait to see your delicious creations!