SWEET TEA & SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

a taste of my grandmother’s Southern Sweet Tea & Lemon Bundt Cake

Hey y’all! Welcome to the Bundt Cake Blog, where I share my love for baking and reminisce about the sweet flavors of my Low Country upbringings…

Growing up in one of the most lovable cities in America, Charleston, South Carolina, my fondest memories swirl around spending hours and hours in the kitchen with my beloved grandmother. Together, for any occasion we had an excuse to bake for, we would whip up and serve the most delightful bundt cakes, baked in the essence of Sweet Southern Hospitality.

As a child, I eagerly awaited all mine and my siblings’ birthdays. Not just for the celebrations, but for the cherished moments spent baking with my grandmother. The best birthdays were summer birthdays (like mine), when the kitchen would fill with the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed sweet tea, and the zesty scent of lemons would dance in the air. These flavors became the foundation for my favorite of all my grandmother’s recipes, the Southern Sweet Tea & Lemon Bundt Cake—a true symbol of love and tradition.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for this deliciously moist and decadent, summer-infused bundt cake .

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup freshly brewed sweet tea, cooled

Zest of 2 lemons

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, ensuring all the nooks and crannies are coated.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes using an electric mixer.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. In a separate small bowl, combine the buttermilk, sweet tea, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients (from step 2) to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk-tea mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

And as if your day couldn’t get any sweeter, while your Southern Sweet Tea & Lemon Bundt Cake is cooling on the baking rack, you may want to think about whipping up a batch of my grandmother’s Sweet Tea Lemon Glaze that pairs perfectly with the cake.

Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons freshly brewed sweet tea, cooled

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.

2. Gradually add the sweet tea to the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the lemon juice to the glaze and mix well.

4. Sprinkle in the lemon zest and stir gently to incorporate it throughout the glaze, adding a burst of citrus flavor.

5. Once the Southern Sweet Tea & Lemon Bundt Cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving plate or cake stand.

6. Drizzle the Sweet Tea Lemon Glaze generously over the top of the bundt cake, allowing it to flow down the sides, creating a beautiful glaze pattern.

7. For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with additional lemon zest or thin lemon slices.

8. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Slice into wedges and enjoy the harmony of flavors.

This Sweet Tea Lemon Glaze adds a delightful tanginess and a hint of sweetness to the already delicious bundt cake, enhancing its flavors and providing a refreshing finish to each bite.

The Southern Sweet Tea & Lemon Bundt Cake is a testament to the sweet simplicity and warmth of Southern living. As you slice into its tender crumb, the lemony fragrance will envelop you, while the subtle sweetness of the tea will awaken memories of warm lazy afternoons on Charleston's wonderful verandas.

Alas, baking my grandmother’s delightful Bundt Cake Recipes has not only allowed me to honor my grandmother's legacy but also to share a slice of Southern charm with each of you who indulges in these delectable deserts. I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my childhood and also the recipe for one of our most beloved summer traditions.

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Blessings,

- Betty B.