Lemon Verbena-Walnut Loaf Cake

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 4 lemon verbena tea bags
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• Cooking spray
• Glaze:
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. To prepare cake, pour 1/2 cup boiling water over tea bags in a bowl; steep 5 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags; cool tea to room temperature.
3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
4. Place egg whites in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat well. Add brewed tea, applesauce, and canola oil; beat until well blended. Gradually add flour mixture; beat just until moist. Fold in walnuts. Pour batter into an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
5. To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and rind in a small bowl. Add juice, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cake; let stand until set.