Steeped Roots 2g Mini Tea Cake: The Complete Brewing Guide
By Adrian | Updated October 2023
Steeped Roots 2g mini tea cakes offer the perfect balance of quality and convenience. Precisely portioned to 2 grams, these cakes eliminate the need for prying or weighing. Whether you enjoy Yunnan Red Tea, Sheng Pu'er, or Shou Pu'er, this guide will help you achieve the perfect steep every time.

Golden Ratios for Every Vessel
Because these cakes are compressed, they unfurl slowly. Use the following guide to decide how many cakes you need:
| Brewing Vessel | Capacity | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gongfu Gaiwan | 100ml - 120ml | 2 Cakes (4g) |
| Standard Mug | 300ml - 400ml | 1 Cake (2g) |
| Yixing Teapot | 150ml - 180ml | 3-4 Cakes (6-8g) |
| French Press | 500ml+ | 4+ Cakes (8g+) |
1. Gaiwan Brewing (Gongfu Style)
Using a gaiwan is the best way to appreciate the shifting layers of a tea cake as it gradually unfurls.
- Rinse: A 5-10 second "wake-up" pour with 100ยฐC water is essential.
- Steeps: Start with 15s, adding 5-10s for each subsequent infusion.
- Explore: Master the Gaiwan Technique.
๐ Step-by-step: For professional techniques, read our Detailed Guide to Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan.
โจ Level Up: Once you've mastered the pour, learn How to Drink Tea Like a Master to fully appreciate the Cha Qi and complex aromas of our Puerh.

2. Mug Brewing (The Office Essential)
Perfect for a focused workday. A single 2g cake is the golden ratio for one standard mug.
- Drop 1 mini cake (2g) into a 300-400ml mug.
- Wake the Tea: Pour boiling water, wait 10s, and discard.
- Refill with 100ยฐC water. Steep for 2-4 minutes.
- Refill 2-3 times throughout the day.
๐ Learn more: Check out the Office Tea Brewing Guide.

3. Yixing Purple Clay Teapot
The porous nature of Yixing clay softens the water and enhances the body of Pu'er teas.
- 100ml Pot: 2 pieces (4g)
- 150ml Pot: 3 pieces (6g)
๐ Comparison: Not sure which to choose? See Gaiwan vs Teapot vs Tea Ball for a deep dive into Yixing brewing.
4. Western Tools (French Press & Infusers)
Simple and clean. Ideal for brewing larger batches to share.
- French Press: Rinse cakes, add 100ยฐC water, steep for 4-6 minutes, and press.
- Tea Balls: Ensure the tea ball is large enough for the leaves to expand fully.
๐ New to the ritual? Check out our primer: What Is Tea Tasting?
Frequently Asked Questions
Compression locks the flavor. Only boiling water provides enough energy to penetrate the mini cake and release the deep Yunnan terroir.
In a Gaiwan, expect 10-15 infusions. In a mug, you can easily get 3 satisfying refills before the flavor fades.
Ready to Experience Precision?
Choose your flavor profile and start brewing with ease.


