Elevate Your Cake Frosting with Earl Grey Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Swiss meringue buttercream is a beloved classic, known for its smooth texture and fluffy consistency. By infusing it with the delicate and aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea, you can add a unique and sophisticated twist to your cake frosting. Follow the detailed guide below to master the art of Earl Grey Swiss meringue buttercream.

Ingredients

5 large egg whites 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-2 tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea or 1-2 tea bags 1 cup heavy cream

Method

Infusing the Cream

Using Loose Leaf Tea

Start by measuring 1-2 tablespoons of loose Earl Grey tea. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it’s just simmering. Remove from heat and add the tea. Let it steep for about 15-20 minutes. Strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves and allow it to cool. For using tea bags, follow the same process but steep the bags in the hot cream for 15-20 minutes and then remove the bags.

Preparing the Swiss Meringue

In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and sugar. Place it over a saucepan of simmering water to create a double boiler and whisk gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).

Remove from heat and whip the mixture with a stand mixer or hand mixer on high speed until it forms stiff peaks and cools to room temperature.

Adding the Butter

Once the meringue is cool, gradually add the softened butter while mixing on medium speed. Continue until the buttercream is smooth and creamy.

Incorporating the Infused Cream

Slowly add the cooled infused cream from step 1 to the buttercream, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Adjust the amount of infused cream based on the desired intensity of the Earl Grey flavor.

Flavor Adjustment

Taste your buttercream and adjust the flavor if needed. Adding more infused cream or Earl Grey extract can enhance the intensity of the Earl Grey flavor.

Storage

Use the buttercream immediately on your cakes or cupcakes. Alternatively, store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and re-whip before applying.

Tips

Experiment with the strength of the Earl Grey flavor based on the brand and steeping time. Adjust to your taste for the perfect flavor. This buttercream complements vanilla, chocolate, and citrus-flavored cakes perfectly.

Enjoy Your Earl Grey-Infused Swiss Meringue Buttercream!

Transform your everyday baking with this versatile and delicious frosting. Elevate your dessert presentations with the unique and sophisticated taste of Earl Grey Swiss meringue buttercream. Get creative and enjoy the delightful experience of baking!