Wednesday's Specials: Earl Grey Cake With Chocolate Lavender Frosting

I really wanted to share a different recipe today, not something sweet. But yesterday I went into the most amazing tea-house and ate the perfect lavender cake, so this only seemed appropriate.

FOR THE EARL GREY CAKE

• 1 cup (240 mL) whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean
• 4 bags Earl Grey tea
• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon Bergamot extract (optional)

FOR THE CHOCOLATE LAVENDER GERMAN BUTTERCREAM FROSTING