Imagine a cake that transports you to a cozy English tea room with just one bite - the Earl Grey Layer Cake is your ticket to a luxurious dessert experience! This sophisticated treat combines the delicate, aromatic essence of Earl Grey tea with a moist, tender cake that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a tea lover, a baking enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates extraordinary desserts, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary skills and impress even the most discerning guests.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Buttercream frosting for layering
Instructions
- Prepare the Earl Grey-infused milk by heating milk in a saucepan and steeping the Earl Grey tea leaves for 15 minutes. Strain and cool the milk completely.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the strained Earl Grey-infused milk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, level the cake layers if needed and apply buttercream frosting between layers and on the outside of the cake.
- Optional: Garnish with additional tea leaves or edible flowers for decoration.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set.
Tips
- Tea Infusion Secret: Ensure you steep the Earl Grey tea leaves in milk for the full 15 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Use high-quality loose tea leaves for the most robust taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use eggs and butter at room temperature to ensure a smoother, more even cake batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent a tough, dense cake.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Leveling Hack: Use a serrated knife to level your cake layers for a professional-looking presentation.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, bringing it to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
