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Velvet Earl Grey Layer Cake Recipe

4.5 from 108 reviews

This Velvet Earl Grey Layer Cake is a delicate and flavorful dessert featuring tender cake layers infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea and a light, creamy lemon zest frosting. The combination of subtle bergamot aroma in the milk infusion and the fresh brightness of lemon zest in the frosting creates a uniquely elegant cake perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Earl Grey Milk Infusion: Warm the whole milk gently until steaming, then add the Earl Grey tea leaves and steep for 10 minutes. Strain out leaves and let the milk cool completely to infuse the fragrant bergamot flavor.
  2. Mix the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar in a large bowl until light, creamy, and fluffy to incorporate air for a light texture.
  3. Incorporate the Eggs and Flavors: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and the cooled Earl Grey-infused milk, folding until evenly combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring just until combined to preserve tenderness.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans. Divide batter evenly and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the Lemon Zest Frosting: Beat together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy with a creamy texture and refreshing zing.
  7. Assemble the Velvet Earl Grey Layer Cake: Spread frosting on one cooled cake layer, top with the second layer, then cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure the Earl Grey-infused milk is fully cooled before adding to the batter to avoid curdling eggs.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake layers tender.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting for best results.
  • Use high-quality Earl Grey tea leaves to maximize flavor.
  • This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Earl Grey cake, layer cake, tea-infused cake, lemon frosting, elegant dessert