Crimson Beet Frosted Earl Grey Cake – Easy Recipe
Introduction
Some recipes are too lovely not to make your own. When we first came across Food52’s Earl Grey Poppy Seed Yogurt Cake with Beet Frosting , we were instantly smitten with its combination of fragrant tea, crunchy poppy seeds, and that show-stopping pink topping. We took the idea into our own kitchen, swapping in a few Eclectic Herb twists and techniques for a version that feels both comfortingly familiar and distinctly ours.
The result? A cake that tastes like a slow, fragrant morning—bright, tender, and topped with a frosting that glows like the first light of day.
Why This Cake Feels Like a Hug in Dessert Form
Gently Aromatic, Softly Textured
Inspired by the clever use of Earl Grey tea, we infused our batter with a finely ground loose-leaf Jasmine-Rose early grey from Tea Lyra for a citrus-rose note that lingers on the palate. The tang of Greek yogurt and the gentle crunch of poppy seeds add depth and texture.Unexpected Beauty in Beet Frosting
Our frosting gets its blush from beet powder—but with a ratio fine-tuned so it’s delicately earthy and perfectly sweet, creating a soft pink that’s as inviting as it is striking. The beet frosting turned out to be the best part of this recipe and was unexpectedly delicious!Easy Elegance
This cake still comes together in under an hour with just a 9-inch cake pan, a whisk or mixer, and pantry staples.
"Nourishing our body with plants is feeding our soul with vibrant energy of the Earth itself."
Crimson Beet Frosted Earl Grey Cake
10 minutes
30 minutes
8
Dessert
Ingredients
Cake
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea (from about 6 tea bags)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup (240 g) full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Beet Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons beet powder (adjust for color)
3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
Instructions
-
Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the base with parchment paper.
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, finely ground Earl Grey tea, and poppy seeds.
Set aside.
-
Combine the Yogurt & Vanilla
In a small bowl or measuring jug, stir together the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer (hand or stand) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Bring It All Together
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry mixture in three parts, alternating with the yogurt mixture in two parts (start and end with the dry). Mix only until just combined to avoid overmixing.
-
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for about 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
At Eclectic Herb, we elevate the natural benefits of beet juice through our advanced freeze-drying technique. This process preserves the vibrant color, intense flavor, and essential nutrients of the berries, ensuring you receive all the goodness of fresh fruit in a convenient powder form.
Our beets are locally grown right here in Oregon and immediately freeze-dried to give beets as close as possible to those still growing on the farm.
A Deeper Dive into the Health Benefits of Beets
Discover the extraordinary health benefits of beets, a root vegetable that offers far more than their earthy sweetness. Naturally rich in nitrates, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, beets help support healthy circulation, boost stamina, and promote cardiovascular wellness. Their vivid pigments, called betalains, provide powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects that nourish the body from within. By weaving beets into your daily diet, you’re not just adding color to your plate—you’re fueling your body with one of nature’s most revitalizing foods.
Experience the grounding power of beets and notice the difference in your energy, endurance, and overall vitality!
Rich in Antioxidants: Beets are packed with betalains and vitamin C, powerful compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Cardiovascular Health: Naturally high in nitrates, beets help relax blood vessels, improve circulation, and support healthy blood pressure.
Digestive Health: Their fiber content promotes regularity and nourishes a healthy gut microbiome.
Brain Health: By boosting blood flow and reducing oxidative stress, beets may enhance cognitive function and help protect against age-related decline.
Why choose Eclectic Beet Juice Powder
Locally Sourced: Grown in Oregon's fertile valleys for peak freshness.
No Fillers: No sugars, fillers or preservatives
Sustainable Practices: Committed to eco-friendly farming and biodiversity.
"The secret to top quality beet Juice lies in locally sourced produce and our fresh freeze-drying process."
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Conclusion
From their vibrant color to their impressive nutrient profile, beets are more than just a root vegetable—they’re a powerhouse for whole-body wellness. Whether roasted, juiced, or blended into creative recipes like our beet frosting, they bring both beauty and vitality to the table. By making beets a regular part of your diet, you’re choosing a simple, natural way to boost energy, protect your heart, and support long-term health.
The Author : Christine Alstat
Chris Alstat is a naturopath and herbalist with Japanese heritage, known for her expertise in plant-based wellness and natural health. As the owner of Eclectic Herb, she provides exceptional, locally grown herbal supplements, marrying her passion for holistic health with environmental stewardship. In her downtime, Christine enjoys foraging, cooking, and crafting herbal remedies with her family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beet powder in my daily diet?
Absolutely! Our beet juice powder is versatile and can be added to smoothies, dips, hummus, or recipes to enhance flavor and nutritional value.
How does freeze-drying differ from other drying methods?
Freeze-drying removes moisture from the beets at low temperatures, which helps preserve the structure, nutritional content, and flavor of the vegetable. Unlike heat drying, this process ensures that antioxidants and vitamins remain intact and highly potent.
What makes Oregon-grown beets special?
Oregon's unique climate and fertile soil provide ideal growing conditions for beets, resulting in beets that are more flavorful and nutrient-rich. Our local farming methods also prioritize the natural ecosystem, ensuring sustainable and responsible agriculture.
Where can I purchase Eclectic products?
Eclectic Herb products are available for purchase on our website, through various online retailers, and at select health food stores nationwide.
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