Lavender Tea Bread: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Lavender Tea Bread: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched lavender field with every slice of this delightful loaf! Have you ever imagined a baked good that perfectly captures the essence of tranquility and floral elegance? This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience, a moment of calm baked into a golden-brown masterpiece.

While lavender has been cherished for centuries for its aromatic and medicinal properties, its culinary use, particularly in baking, is a more recent, yet equally captivating, trend. The Victorians, known for their love of floral flavors, were early adopters of lavender in sweets, and this tradition continues to blossom today. Our lavender tea bread recipe draws inspiration from this heritage, offering a modern twist on a classic flavor profile.

People adore this bread for its unique and sophisticated taste. The subtle floral notes of lavender, combined with the comforting warmth of a classic tea bread, create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The crumb is tender and moist, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Whether you’re looking for a special treat for afternoon tea or a unique gift for a loved one, this lavender tea bread is sure to impress. So, let’s embark on this aromatic adventure and bake a loaf of pure bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds, finely ground

Preparing the Lavender Tea Bread

Okay, let’s get started with this delightful Lavender Tea Bread! First things first, we need to gather all our ingredients and make sure everything is measured out correctly. Trust me, precision is key when it comes to baking!

Preheating and Preparing the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial! You want the oven nice and hot before the batter goes in.
2. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use a baking spray that contains flour, but you can also grease it with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. Make sure you get into all the corners! This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easy to remove later. Tap out any excess flour.

Combining the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s move on to the dry ingredients. This step is important for ensuring that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is better than just stirring because it helps to aerate the flour and prevent lumps.
4. Add the finely ground lavender buds to the dry ingredients and whisk again to combine. Grinding the lavender is essential! You don’t want big chunks of lavender in your bread. A coffee grinder works great for this, but you can also use a mortar and pestle. Make sure the lavender is culinary grade, as other types may not be safe to eat.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

This is where the magic happens! Creaming the butter and sugar together creates air pockets that will make the bread light and fluffy.

5. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. Just make sure the butter is truly softened, not melted. It should be soft enough to easily press with your finger. Creaming should take about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should become noticeably lighter in color and texture.

Adding the Wet Ingredients

Now we’ll incorporate the wet ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. It’s important to add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition to ensure everything is properly emulsified.

6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth and stable emulsion. If you add both eggs at once, the batter might curdle.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the bread and adds a touch of warmth.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

This is the final step in preparing the batter. We’ll alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique helps to prevent the gluten in the flour from developing too much, which can result in a tough bread.

8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. I usually add the dry ingredients in three additions and the buttermilk in two. So, add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add 1/2 of the buttermilk, mix until just combined, then add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add the remaining buttermilk, mix until just combined, and finally add the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread.

Baking the Lavender Tea Bread

Alright, the batter is ready! Now it’s time to bake this beauty.

9. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed in the pan so that the bread bakes evenly.
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the bread frequently. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Cooling and Serving

Patience is key here! Letting the bread cool properly will prevent it from crumbling when you slice it.

11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.
12. Once the bread is completely cool, slice and serve. I love to serve this bread with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

Enjoy your homemade Lavender Tea Bread! It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Lavender Tea Bread recipe isn’t just another baked good; it’s an experience. The subtle floral notes of lavender combined with the comforting warmth of a homemade loaf create a truly unique and unforgettable treat. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baking game and impress their friends and family. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet the results are anything but ordinary.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s more than just bread. It’s a little slice of tranquility, a moment of calm in a busy world. The aroma alone, as it bakes, will fill your kitchen with a soothing fragrance that will instantly lift your spirits. And the taste? A delicate dance of sweet and floral that will leave you wanting more. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon tea, a special brunch, or even a thoughtful gift for someone you care about.

But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to try this recipe and discover the magic of Lavender Tea Bread for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

Need some serving suggestions? This bread is absolutely divine served warm with a dollop of clotted cream or a smear of homemade lemon curd. For a more savory twist, try pairing it with a sharp cheddar cheese or a creamy goat cheese. It’s also fantastic toasted and served with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different types of flour. Whole wheat flour will add a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture, while almond flour will create a gluten-free version with a delicate, crumbly texture. You can also add a handful of dried cranberries or blueberries for a burst of fruity flavor. Another fun variation is to incorporate a citrus glaze, using lemon or orange juice, for an extra layer of sweetness and tang. Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a richer, more complex flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try infusing the milk with lavender buds for a more intense lavender flavor. Just be sure to strain the milk before adding it to the batter.

Share Your Baking Adventures!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did you serve it with something special? What did your friends and family think? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love.

Let’s Connect!

Don’t forget to tag me on social media using #LavenderTeaBread and #[YourNameOrBlogName] so I can see your beautiful creations! I love seeing how you make my recipes your own.

So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure bliss. I promise, this Lavender Tea Bread will become a new favorite in your household. Happy baking!