Up your baking game with our exquisite Earl Grey and Granadilla Cupcakes! These delightful treats marry the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea with the tropical sweetness of granadilla (passion fruit), resulting in a unique and tantalizing flavor combination. Perfect for tea lovers and adventurous bakers alike, these cupcakes are sure to impress with their delicate taste and beautiful presentation. Let's delve into the recipe and learn how to create these flavorful treats!

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the Granadilla Frosting:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Pulp of 2 granadillas (passion fruit)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Process:

Step 1: Infusing the Tea Flavor

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bags. Let steep for 10-15 minutes to infuse the milk with the tea flavor. Remove the tea bags and set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Making the Cupcake Batter

1. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the infused milk, until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 3: Baking the Cupcakes

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Making the Granadilla Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the granadilla pulp and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

Step 5: Decorating the Cupcakes

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the granadilla frosting onto each cupcake.
2. Optionally, garnish each cupcake with a slice of fresh granadilla or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes and Helpful Tips:

1. Tea steeping time: Be mindful not to oversteep the tea in the milk, as it can result in a bitter flavor. Aim for 10-15 minutes of steeping time for optimal flavor infusion.
2. Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and uniform cupcake batter.
3. Adjusting frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
4. Storage: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

With these simple steps and helpful tips, you'll be able to create delightful Earl Grey and Granadilla Cupcakes that are sure to impress your friends and family!