Why Make This Recipe

The Vanilla, Earl Grey and Raspberry Heart Cake offers a delightful blend of flavors that can transport you to a cozy Parisian café. The subtle notes of Earl Grey tea kick in with a warm vanilla backdrop, while the tartness of raspberries adds a burst of freshness. It’s perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home. This cake is not only beautiful but also a wonderful way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

How to Make Vanilla, Earl Grey and Raspberry Heart Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh raspberries
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea leaves. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and let the milk cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the cooled Earl Grey-infused milk to the mixture while continuing to mix.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until well combined.
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to break them.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Vanilla, Earl Grey and Raspberry Heart Cake

Once your cake has cooled, you can serve it as is, or dust it with powdered sugar for a simple presentation. This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also great with a cup of tea, enhancing those lovely Earl Grey flavors.

How to Store Vanilla, Earl Grey and Raspberry Heart Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Vanilla, Earl Grey and Raspberry Heart Cake

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for an even batter.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
If you can’t find fresh raspberries, you can use frozen ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.

Variation

For a chocolate twist, you can replace half of the flour with cocoa powder. You can also use different berries like strawberries or blueberries, depending on what you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of tea?
Yes, you can experiment with other teas such as chai, green tea, or even herbal teas to create different flavor profiles.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it.

3. Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.