Lavender Tea Bread with Lemon Glaze

Lavender Tea Bread with Lemon Glaze: A Fragrant and Delicate Treat

Lavender Tea Bread with Lemon Glaze is the perfect blend of floral and citrus flavors, creating a delightful treat that’s both elegant and delicious. The subtle taste of lavender infused into the bread pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon glaze, making this bread an ideal choice for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a special treat to enjoy any time of the day. Let’s walk through how to make this aromatic and flavorful bread.

Ingredients

For the Tea Bread:

• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp dried lavender buds (or substitute 3 tbsp fresh lavender)
• 6 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Infuse the Milk with Lavender:

• In a small saucepan, combine the lavender buds and milk. Warm over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, then remove from heat. Let the milk infuse with the lavender flavor as it cools slightly. This step imparts a delicate floral note to the bread.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy, setting the foundation for a tender bread.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract and blend thoroughly.

5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the batter.

6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the lavender buds from the milk. If you enjoy a bit of texture and an extra burst of lavender flavor, leave them in. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the lavender-infused milk. Stir until just blended, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

7. Bake the Bread:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are baking at high altitude, you may need to add an extra 5 minutes of baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

8. Cool the Bread:

• Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a baking rack. The aroma of lavender will fill your kitchen, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere.

9. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. The glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the lavender flavor perfectly.

10. Glaze the Bread:

• While the bread is still warm, pour the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to coat the entire loaf. The warmth of the bread will help the glaze to set and soak in, enhancing the flavor and texture.

11. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the bread has cooled completely and the glaze has set, slice and serve your Lavender Tea Bread. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a cup of tea for a truly delightful experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: ~250 kcal per slice
Servings: 8-10 servings

Lavender Tea Bread with Lemon Glaze is a unique and sophisticated treat that’s sure to impress. The gentle floral notes of lavender, combined with the bright, zesty lemon glaze, create a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this tea bread is a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate flavors of lavender and lemon.

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy baking!

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