If you’re searching for a treat that feels just as enchanting as it tastes, Lavender Tea Bread is about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine the most delicate loaf cake, subtly scented with dried lavender, glazed in a sweet vanilla-lemon icing, and ready to take center stage at brunch or afternoon tea. Each slice is pillowy and fragrant, infusing every moment with a sense of calm luxury. With the distinct floral notes of lavender perfectly balanced by rich butter and a zesty glaze, this bread is truly an experience—not just a dessert!

Lavender Tea Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lavender Tea Bread is wonderfully simple, relying on pantry basics combined with just a touch of culinary lavender to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for the way it enhances the taste, texture, and color of your loaf.

All-purpose flour: The essential base that keeps your bread tender while holding the loaf together.
Baking powder: Lends a satisfying lift, ensuring a light, fluffy crumb and a nicely rounded top.
Salt: Just a pinch is enough to balance out the sweet and floral flavors.
Dried culinary lavender: The star attraction—make sure it’s food-grade so you get a fresh, aromatic essence without any bitterness.
Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and a soft, luxurious crumb to every bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create a golden, gently crisp top.
Eggs: Bring structure, moisture, and a lovely richness that binds all the flavors together.
Milk: Illuminates the crumb with tenderness and supports that perfect, cake-like texture.
Vanilla extract: Acts as an understated background note, letting the lavender shine while adding warmth.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Melts into a silky, sweet, and slightly tangy topping.
Milk (for the glaze): Helps thin the glaze to just the right drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Adds another layer of gentle flavor to crown your bread.

How to Make Lavender Tea Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This step isn’t just about non-stick insurance; it ensures beautiful slices from your Lavender Tea Bread without ever leaving any behind.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Be gentle with the lavender—its floral perfume permeates the whole loaf, so you only need a tablespoon. This blend is what gives the bread its signature aroma and even rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, in a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and almost cloudlike. This isn’t just for sweetness; it’s the secret to a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each—this helps make the batter smooth and stable.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. The vanilla rounds out the herbal notes, while the milk ensures your Lavender Tea Bread stays soft and moist from the first slice to the last.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Working carefully here keeps your loaf light and prevents overdeveloping the gluten (nobody wants a tough tea bread). Once mixed, scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know the bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is softly golden. Try not to open the oven too early so your Lavender Tea Bread can rise evenly and keep its dreamy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it onto a rack to cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf, and for a touch of magic, sprinkle with a few extra lavender sprigs.

How to Serve Lavender Tea Bread

Garnishes

A flourish of garnishes truly brings out the beauty of Lavender Tea Bread. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance, while fresh edible flowers, a sprig of rosemary, or extra lavender buds create an eye-catching centerpiece. Even a few zest curls of lemon make each slice look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Lavender Tea Bread is lovely alongside fresh berries, a bowl of lemon curd, or a dollop of clotted cream. For a classic pairing, serve it with a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea—these gentle flavors let the bread’s floral essence really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re preparing for a special occasion, slice the bread thick and use it for petite tea sandwiches (with a thin layer of whipped honey butter or mascarpone). You can also cube it for an elegant dessert trifle layered with whipped cream and berries, or arrange slices on a tiered cake stand for a high tea celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Lavender Tea Bread soft and fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its delicate moisture and prevents the glaze from becoming too sticky.

Freezing

Lavender Tea Bread freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then tuck it away in your freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

If you enjoy your tea bread slightly warm, simply pop a slice into the microwave for a few seconds, or gently reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8 minutes. Add the glaze after reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, you can! If using fresh lavender, be sure to use culinary-grade and reduce the quantity slightly, as fresh blooms are more potent. Finely chop the flowers before adding them to ensure even distribution through the bread.

Is Lavender Tea Bread overly floral or soapy?

Not at all—as long as you stick to the measured amount of culinary lavender, the resulting flavor is soothing and aromatic, not overpowering. The buttery crumb and sweet glaze mellow the floral notes so every bite is balanced.

Can I make the bread ahead for entertaining?

Absolutely! You can bake Lavender Tea Bread one or two days in advance, wrap tightly, and glaze right before serving. This makes it a dream for brunches or parties where you want less last-minute stress.

What can I substitute for milk?

If you’re dairy-free, unsweetened almond or oat milk works beautifully in this recipe. They’ll keep the loaf tender and moist, and the subtle nutty notes complement the flavor of lavender.

Is there a gluten-free version?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-for-1 gluten-free baking blend to create a gluten-free Lavender Tea Bread. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture soft and sliceable.

Final Thoughts

Baking a loaf of Lavender Tea Bread is an act of pure delight—there’s truly nothing like filling your kitchen with its heavenly fragrance and serving it up to guests (or yourself!) alongside a cup of tea. Go on, try it at your next gathering; you may just create a new tradition that everyone asks for by name!