Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread is a moist, fragrant tea loaf that fits perfectly with a quiet afternoon tea. This simple loaf mixes dried lavender and a hint of lemon for a floral, fresh flavor that feels special but stays easy to make. For more cozy loaf ideas and cooking inspiration, see Blackstone recipes for every occasion. This recipe gives a soft crumb and a light glaze that finishes the loaf beautifully.

why make this recipe

Quick & Easy: Simple steps and common ingredients.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples plus dried culinary lavender.
Perfect for Tea: A gentle floral loaf that pairs well with tea or coffee.
Crowd-Pleaser: Soft texture and mild sweetness suit many tastes.
Memorable Flavor: Lavender and lemon create a balanced, elegant taste.

This version stands out because you steep lavender in warm milk to gently pull out the aroma without overpowering the bread. It feels both comforting and a bit fancy, so it impresses guests while staying homey.

Ingredients :

For the loaf:

2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, lightly crushed
Zest of 1 lemon

For the wet mix:

1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp honey or light syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the glaze (optional):

1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Extra dried lavender or lemon zest for garnish

Notes: Use culinary-grade lavender only. If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly.

how to make Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread

Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment for easy removal. Preheat helps even baking and a good rise.
Infuse the milk: Warm the milk until it is hot but not boiling. Stir in the crushed lavender and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the lavender and let the milk cool to lukewarm. This step brings out floral notes without bite.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Whisking adds air and helps the loaf rise evenly.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This creates a tender crumb.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and honey if using. Scrape the bowl so everything mixes evenly.
Combine wet and dry: Add the dry mix in two parts, alternating with the cooled lavender milk. Start and finish with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix or the loaf will be dense.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.
Cool and glaze: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a thin glaze and drizzle over the cooled loaf. Garnish with a pinch of dried lavender or lemon zest.
Rest before slicing: Allow the loaf to rest at least 30 minutes after glazing so the glaze sets and flavors settle.

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Warm 3/4 cup milk and steep 1 tbsp crushed dried lavender for 10 minutes, then strain and cool.
Whisk 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and lemon zest.
Cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla.
Alternate adding dry mix and lavender-infused milk, mixing just until combined.
Pour into pan and bake 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes in pan, then on a rack. Drizzle glaze of powdered sugar + lemon juice if desired.

how to serve Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread

Serve this loaf sliced thin with tea or coffee. It is lovely with clotted cream, lemon curd, or a thin smear of butter. For a small gathering, arrange slices on a pretty plate and add fresh berries for color. If you need more serving ideas for casual gatherings, view Blackstone recipes for every occasion for inspiration that pairs well with simple loaves.

how to store Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread

At room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm briefly in a toaster or oven.

tips to make Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread

Use culinary lavender only; garden lavender can be bitter.
Crush lavender slightly to release oils, but strain the milk to avoid chewy bits.
Room-temperature eggs and butter mix more evenly for a light texture.
Do not overmix the batter — stop when you see no dry streaks.
If you prefer a stronger lemon note, add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the batter.

variation (if any)

Lemon-Lavender: Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the batter for extra lemon tang.
Honey Lavender: Replace some sugar with 2 tbsp honey for a deeper flavor.
Almond Lavender: Substitute 1/3 cup flour with almond flour and add 1/2 tsp almond extract.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum; expect a slightly different crumb.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but use about three times the amount of fresh lavender by volume. Chop it finely and be sure it is culinary-grade. Fresh lavender has more water, so the flavor can be milder; consider reducing added milk slightly.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a commercial 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum. The loaf may be a bit denser. Do not overmix and allow a little extra cooling time before slicing.

Is this loaf freezer-friendly?

Yes. Slice and wrap pieces individually in plastic, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm a slice in a toaster oven.

My loaf tastes too perfumed — how can I fix that next time?

Use less lavender and strain the milk well to remove bits. Also, steep lavender for a shorter time (5 minutes) to soften the scent.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this batter?

Yes. Bake mini loaves 20–30 minutes and muffins 15–20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; adjust time based on size.

Conclusion

Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread is a simple, elegant loaf that brings a light floral note to your tea time. It uses easy ingredients, a short steep for lavender, and a gentle lemon touch to stay balanced and inviting. Try the glaze for a pretty finish, and slice thin to share with friends. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating to tell others how it turned out. Share a photo on social media and tag your baking—what variation did you try? We’d love to hear.