Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until well combined.

Bake the pastries

Pour the batter into greased muffin tins or a cake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.

Frost and decorate

Once cooled, frost with powdered sugar icing and top with fresh fruit.

Tea Preparation

Brew the tea

In a teapot or heatproof pitcher, place the Earl Grey tea bags and pour boiling water over them. Steep for 5-7 minutes.

Serve the tea

Remove the tea bags and serve the tea hot with lemon slices, milk, and sweetener on the side as desired.