Baking · Loaf

Earl Grey Orange Loaf

This earl grey orange loaf is fragrant, bright, and deeply satisfying to bake and to eat. The tea is steeped directly into the batter, infusing every crumb with a gentle floral note that pairs beautifully with the zesty orange. The glaze is simple but makes the whole loaf look bakery-worthy when it runs down the sides. It keeps wonderfully and slices cleanly, making it perfect for sharing. This is a weekend bake that fills the kitchen with the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking what is in the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 orange, zested
• 200g sugar
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 150g butter
• 50g olive oil
• 100g sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of 1 full medium-sized orange
• 2 tbsp earl grey tea, ground into powder
• 150g chocolate chips

Method

1. 1 Zest the orange and rub it with the sugar until fragrant and well combined.
2. 2 Add the butter to the orange-sugar mixture and whip until fluffy.
3. 3 Add the olive oil and continue whipping until light and fluffy.
4. 4 Mix in the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, orange juice, and ground earl grey tea until well combined.
5. 5 Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until just combined. Don't overmix.
6. 6 Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. 7 Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
8. 8 Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. 9 Let cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Notes

Zest the orange before juicing it. The earl grey should be steeped strong use 2 tea bags for a more pronounced flavour. The glaze should be poured over while the loaf is still slightly warm so it drips down the sides beautifully.