Description
Elegant and aromatic Earl Grey layer cake with vanilla bean frosting—perfect for tea time, brunch, or special celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 4 tea bags)
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk, room temperature
Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans; line bottoms with parchment.
Heat milk until simmering, steep Earl Grey tea for 10 minutes, strain, and cool.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 mins). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and Earl Grey milk in three additions, beginning and ending with dry.
Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–28 mins. Cool for 10 mins in pans, then transfer to wire racks.
For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add vanilla, then powdered sugar gradually. Add cream as needed; finish with salt.
Assemble and frost the cake once layers are completely cooled.
Notes
Add lavender or bergamot extract for a twist.
Lemon zest in the frosting gives a bright flavor contrast.
Steep tea longer for bolder Earl Grey flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
