Earl Grey Chocolate Tea Cake

This delightful Earl Grey Chocolate Tea Cake combines the aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea with the rich flavor of dark chocolate, creating a unique dessert experience. The cake has a moist texture thanks to the inclusion of sour cream, making each bite tender and flavorful. The harmonious blend of tea and chocolate makes it a perfect choice for an afternoon snack or a sweet accompaniment to your tea time. Despite its sophisticated taste, this cake is simple to prepare and requires ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s versatile, allowing for small variations to fit dietary preferences or taste. Even if you aren't typically a tea lover, you'll find that the subtle infusion of Earl Grey adds a delightful elegance to this cake. Best served slightly warm, this cake is a crowd-pleaser with its inviting aroma and satisfying taste. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a slice of indulgence, this Earl Grey Chocolate Tea Cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup water
6 bags of Earl Grey tea
100 g butter
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
100 g dark chocolate
2 cups flour
1 cup sour cream

Spices

1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Prepare the tea: Heat the cup of water and steep the six bags of Earl Grey tea in it for about 5 minutes. After steeping, discard the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature.
Melt the dark chocolate: In a small saucepan, gently melt the chocolate over low heat, ensuring it doesn't burn.
Add 100 g of butter to the melted chocolate and stir until it's fully combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together with the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
To the egg mixture, add the cooled chocolate and butter mixture and whisk until combined.
Stir in the sour cream, ensuring the batter is smooth before adding other ingredients.
Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until you form a smooth and uniform batter.
The batter should resemble the thickness of sour cream. If it seems too liquid, add a bit more flour.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf or cake pan, smoothing out the top.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. Check the cake's readiness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Optionally, sift some powdered sugar over the top for extra sweetness and a decorative finish.

Tips

Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt if sour cream isn’t available.
Chocolate Choice: Opt for semi-sweet chocolate to reduce sweetness if desired.
Tea Strength: Increase the number of tea bags for a stronger Earl Grey flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 12g
Carbs: 40g

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed and butter with coconut oil.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of regular flour.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Beverage Pairings: Enjoy with a cup of hot Earl Grey tea or a glass of cold milk.

Best Places

The Tea Room: Known for its extensive tea collection. Location: 220 Crocker St, Los Angeles, USA.
Huxley's: Famous for its cozy ambiance and delightful treats. Location: 12 Regent St, London, UK.
Café de Flore: A chic spot with a classic Parisian touch. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
Tianzifang Tea House: Offers a unique experience with regional teas. Location: No. 155 Jianguo Zhong Rd, Shanghai, China.
Tea Craft Café: Popular for their innovative tea-based desserts. Location: 10 New Buona Vista Rd, Singapore, Singapore.
Choco & Tea Heaven: Combines chocolate and tea in creative ways. Location: 230 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
Tea & Sympathy: Celebrated for bringing British tea culture to life. Location: 108 Greenwich Ave, New York, USA.
Charles & Co. Tea Emporium: Offers a curated selection of teas. Location: 45 St. George's Mall, Cape Town, South Africa.
Afternoon Tea Delight: Known for classic teas and tasty bakes. Location: 15 Queen St, Auckland, New Zealand.
Tea Garden Café: Renowned for stunning views and delightful teas. Location: 2 Chome-5-2 Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan.