Lavender Tea Bread Recipe

Introduction

Lavender Tea Bread is a delightful treat combining the delicate floral notes of fresh lavender with a hint of lemon zest. This moist, fragrant bread is perfect for afternoon tea or a lovely breakfast accompaniment.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lavender
• 6 Tbsp. butter (softened)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plain or vanilla)
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• ⅔ cup sifted powdered sugar
• 3 tsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or alternatively, three small pans measuring about 3 1/2 by 6 inches.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and fresh lavender. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly to infuse the flavor.
3. Step 3: Using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and white sugar in a medium mixing bowl until smooth. Beat in the eggs and lemon zest until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Add the Greek yogurt and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with the warm milk and lavender infusion, just until blended.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan or small pans.
6. Step 6: Bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes if using the large loaf pan, or about 30 minutes for the smaller pans. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: To make the glaze, combine the sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. While the bread is still hot, poke 6 to 8 holes in the top with a fork. Spread the glaze evenly over the hot bread. Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then remove it from the pan and cool completely on the wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger lavender flavor, increase fresh lavender to 2 tablespoons but avoid overpowering the bread.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt with plain or vanilla yogurt if preferred for a slightly different texture.
• If fresh lavender is not available, use 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender instead, but steep it longer in the milk to release flavor.
• Add a handful of blueberries or chopped nuts for a fruity or crunchy twist.

Storage

Store the lavender tea bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?

Yes, dried culinary lavender can be used. Use about 1 teaspoon and steep it longer in the milk to fully infuse the flavor without bitterness.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can substitute plain or vanilla yogurt in equal amounts. Sour cream is also a suitable alternative, providing a similar moisture and tanginess.

Lavender Tea Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 415 reviews

This Lavender Tea Bread is a fragrant, delicate loaf infused with fresh lavender and lemon zest, perfect for a sophisticated tea time treat or a light breakfast. The bread is moist and tender, enhanced with a creamy Greek yogurt base and topped with a zesty lemon glaze for a refreshing finish.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (or 3 small loaves) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Ingredients

• ¾ cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lavender
• 6 Tbsp. butter (softened)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or plain or vanilla)
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt

Glaze Ingredients

• ⅔ cup sifted powdered sugar
• 3 tsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or three smaller pans measuring 3 1/2 x 6 inches each.
2. Infuse milk with lavender: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and fresh lavender. Heat the mixture until it simmers, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly to infuse the lavender flavor.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This will create a light base for the batter.
4. Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs and lemon zest until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, mix in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract thoroughly.
5. Mix dry ingredients and combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the creamed wet ingredients alternating with the lavender-infused milk, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes if using a loaf pan, or 30 minutes if using the smaller pans. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare and apply glaze: While the bread is baking, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Once baked, poke 6-8 holes into each hot loaf with a fork, then spread the glaze evenly over the top to soak into the bread.
8. Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then remove from the pan and let cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For a stronger lavender flavor, increase fresh lavender slightly but ensure it’s edible culinary lavender.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt with plain or vanilla yogurt if desired.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
• The glaze adds moisture and a tangy lemon flavor that complements the lavender perfectly.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: lavender bread, lemon glaze bread, tea bread, flavored quick bread, floral bread, homemade bread, lemon zest bread