Tea-infused desserts have been growing in popularity in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. Adding tea to your desserts can give them a unique and complex flavor profile, as well as a hint of caffeine for an added pick-me-up. Matcha has become a particularly popular choice for tea-infused desserts, but there are a variety of other teas that can work well in desserts, including spiced chai, Earl Grey, and even rooibos.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate tea into your desserts is by steeping it in cream or milk, which can then be used in recipes like ice cream, custards, and cakes. For example, a matcha ice cream can be made by whisking matcha powder into a mixture of cream and milk before freezing it in an ice cream maker. Similarly, a chai-flavored custard can be made by steeping chai tea bags in a mixture of cream and milk before using it as the base for the custard.
Tea can also be added directly to dessert recipes in the form of loose tea leaves or tea powder. For example, a spiced chai tea can be added to a cake or cookie batter to give it a warm, spicy flavor. Similarly, matcha powder can be added to cake or cookie batters for a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter flavor.
As tea lovers, we know that tea is not just for sipping, but it can also be used in cooking and baking. Tea-infused desserts are a delicious way to enjoy the unique flavors and aromas of your favorite teas. Matcha is a popular choice for desserts, but have you ever tried using spiced chai in a cake or cookie recipe? In this post, we'll explore the world of tea-infused desserts and share some of our favorite recipes.
Tea-Infused Cakes and Cookies
Using tea in cake and cookie recipes is an easy way to add a unique twist to traditional desserts. Matcha is a popular choice, and for good reason - its vibrant green color and earthy flavor make it a versatile ingredient. You could try making matcha cookies, matcha pound cake, or matcha cheesecake. But don't stop there - other teas like earl grey, jasmine, and rooibos can also be used to infuse desserts with their distinct flavors.
For a spiced twist on traditional desserts, try using chai tea in your baking. Chai tea is a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and other spices, and it adds a warm, cozy flavor to desserts. You could make chai spice cookies, chai spice cake, or even chai-spiced ice cream.
Tea-Infused Ice Cream
Tea-infused ice cream is a refreshing and unique dessert option. To make tea-infused ice cream, steep your favorite tea in hot cream before adding it to the ice cream base. Matcha, earl grey, and jasmine are all popular choices for tea-infused ice cream. You could also try using rooibos or herbal teas for a caffeine-free option. The possibilities are endless!
Tea-Infused Toppings and Sauces
Tea can also be used to create delicious toppings and sauces for desserts. Try making a matcha whipped cream to top your favorite desserts, or a chai caramel sauce to drizzle over ice cream or cake. Earl grey tea can also be used to infuse a simple syrup, which can be used to sweeten cakes, cocktails, or other desserts.
Matcha Green Tea Cake:
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Earl Grey Tea Cookies:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, tea leaves, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating until just combined.
Scoop the dough by tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten the cookies slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chai Tea Ice Cream:
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 chai tea bags
6 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, sugar, and chai tea bags over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the tea bags steep for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together.
Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, to temper the yolks.
Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove the pan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator
Conclusion
Infused Tea desserts are a delicious and unique way to enjoy the flavors and aromas of your favorite teas. Whether you're a matcha lover or a chai enthusiast, there are endless possibilities when it comes to tea-infused desserts. So why not try something new and add a little tea to your next dessert creation? Leave a comment tell us yoyr favorite way to use Adagio teas.
