For the Classic Chocolate Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup hot strong-brewed coffee
For the Earl Grey Buttercream:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ cup loose Earl Grey tea
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (150 ml) egg whites, from about 4 to 5 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste, or seeds from ½ vanilla bean
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract