Earl Gray tea cake

Introducing our delicious Earl Gray Tea Cakes – a delicious twist on traditional fruit buns. Infused with the exquisite aroma of Earl Gray tea and a hint of refreshing orange, these tea-infused treats are packed with flavor. Roasted to perfection and generously brushed with creamy butter, they make a delicious snack or delicious addition to any afternoon tea. With their delicious blend of fruitiness and aromatic goodness, our Earl Gray tea cakes are sure to leave your taste buds wanting more! Treat yourself to a piece of heavenly pleasure.

Ingredients

200g mixed dried fruit, any larger pieces chopped (we used raisins, sultanas, dried cherries and apricots)
Zest of half an orange
200ml hot Earl Gray tea, made from 2 tea bags
250 ml whole milk
75g butter, diced, plus some butter for serving
500g strong white bread flour, plus some flour for dusting
1½ tsp spice mixture
50g powdered sugar
7 g bag of fast-acting dry yeast
1 large egg, beaten
Apricot jam, for glazing

Preparation steps

Place the fruit and peel in a bowl and cover with the hot tea. Let it steep overnight.
Heat the milk in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the butter. Swirl the pan so that the butter melts and the milk cools down. Allow to cool to hand temperature.
Place flour, spice mix, sugar, yeast and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
Add the warm milk mixture, the egg and 1 tablespoon of tea made from the soaked fruit. Mix with a wooden spoon, then transfer to the work surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Place in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with cling film, then leave to rise in a warm place for 2 hours until doubled in size.
Dust two large, flat baking sheets with flour, knock out all the air from the dough, and add the soaked fruit (if there is still liquid in the bowl, drain the fruit first).
Knead the fruit into the dough until well distributed. You may need to add a little more flour if the fruit makes the dough too sticky.
Break the dough into 6 pieces and form balls out of them.
Place the dough balls on the floured baking sheets with enough space between them and press them slightly flat with the palm of your hand. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and then let rise until doubled in size, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
Cover and bake the tea cakes for 25 minutes, swapping trays halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Spread each tea cake with some apricot jam and place in the oven for another 1-2 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack.
Serve warm from the oven or split and toasted, sprinkled with butter.
Stores in a can for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
549	14g	8g	93g	35g	5g	12g	1.2g

Earl Gray Teacakes Recipe

Earl Gray Teacakes

Equipment and tools

The following equipment and tools are required to prepare Earl Gray teacakes:

mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
sheet

Allergen information

The Earl Gray tea cake recipe contains the following allergens:

milk
butter

Storage and leftovers

Store the tea cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

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Ingredients

200 g mixed dried fruits, all larger pieces chopped (raisins, sultanas, dried cherries and apricots)
Zest of half an orange
200ml hot Earl Gray tea, made from 2 tea bags
250 ml whole milk
75g butter, diced, plus some butter for serving
500g strong white bread flour, plus some flour for dusting
1½ tsp spice mixture
50g powdered sugar
7 g bag of fast-acting dry yeast
1 large egg, beaten
Apricot jam for glazing

instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and orange peel.
Pour the hot Earl Gray tea over the fruit and let it steep for 1 hour.
In a separate bowl, heat milk and butter until butter is melted. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, spice mix, powdered sugar and dry yeast.
Mix in the soaked fruit, milk, butter mixture and beaten egg.
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Punch out the dough and divide it into equal portions.
Form each portion into a round bun and place on a greased baking sheet.
Cover the tray with a tea towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the tea cakes for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and spread the tea cakes with apricot jam while they are still warm.
Serve the tea cakes warm with a little butter.

Health Benefits of Earl Gray Teacakes

The delicious combination of dried fruits, aromatic Earl Gray tea and fluffy bread make Earl Gray tea cakes a delicious treat. But did you know that these tea cakes are not only a delicious snack but also provide various health benefits? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and their possible positive effects on our well-being.

Mixed dried fruits

The 200g of mixed dried fruits used in Earl Gray tea cakes provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Dried fruits are known for their high antioxidant content, which can help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They are also rich in natural sugars and provide a quick energy boost when needed.

Orange peel

The zest of half an orange not only adds a vibrant citrus flavor to the tea cakes, but also contributes other health benefits. Orange peel contains essential oils rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C. These antioxidants support the immune system, promote collagen production for healthy skin, and contribute to overall well-being.

Earl Gray tea

The 200 ml of hot Earl Gray tea, made from 2 tea bags, serves as the base for the tea cakes and gives the recipe its distinctive taste. Earl Gray tea is made from black tea leaves infused with bergamot oil, known for its potential health benefits. Bergamot oil is associated with improved digestion, improved mood, and reduced anxiety.

milk and butter

While the 250ml whole milk and 75g butter contribute to the rich and moist texture of the tea cakes, they also provide important nutrients. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is necessary for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Although butter should be consumed in moderation, it can provide a small amount of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Bread flour

Earl Gray tea cake requires 500g of strong white bread flour, which adds structure and texture to the final product. Bread flour typically has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, making it a good source of energy and supporting muscle repair and growth. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and iron.

Spice mix

Adding 1½ teaspoons of mixed spice not only provides a wonderful aroma, but also offers potential health benefits. Spice blends often contain spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, which are said to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These spices can also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.

powdered sugar

While powdered sugar is used in small amounts for sweetening, its high calorie content makes it important to consume it in moderation. However, like any sweet treat, it can provide a temporary mood boost and satisfy cravings in moderation.

Fast-acting dry yeast

The 7g bag of fast-acting dry yeast is responsible for the loose and airy texture of the tea cakes. Yeast, a type of fungus, is rich in B vitamins, fiber and protein. Additionally, it can support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

apricot jam

Apricot jam is used to glaze the tea cakes, providing a glossy finish and a hint of sweetness. Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants. Using apricot jam in your tea cakes can provide some of these benefits, albeit in small amounts.

So the next time you enjoy a delicious Earl Gray tea cake, remember that you’re not only pleasing your taste buds, but potentially benefiting your health with a variety of nutrients and antioxidants.