Think you're getting a juicy burger? Think again. This April Fool's Day, we're pulling the ultimate trick — a show-stopping "burger" made entirely of coffee-infused cake, matcha "lettuce," and masala chai spice frosting. It looks savory. It tastes like dessert. And your guests won't know what hit them.
At Funnel Mill, we believe the best moments happen over a great cup — so why not make April 1st unforgettable?
Ingredients:
Milan Cake Buns
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 shots Milan espresso (cooled)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground Tahitian Vanilla Bean
- Pinch of salt
- White chocolate chips (for sesame seed topping)
Kyoto Cold Brew Ganache Patty
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70%), chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp Funnel Mill Kyoto Cold Brew concentrate
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Matcha Buttercream "Lettuce"
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp ceremonial matcha powder
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Strawberry Agar "Tomato"
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp agar-agar powder
Mango Passion Fruit "Cheese"
- ½ cup mango purée
- ¼ cup passion fruit juice
- 1 tsp agar-agar powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
Masala Chai Spice "Sauce"
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp masala chai spice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1 — Bake the Espresso Cake Buns
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round 4-inch cake pans. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add Tahitian Vanilla Bean and cooled Milan espresso. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk, mixing until just combined. Divide batter between pans and bake 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. Press white chocolate chips on top bun to mimic sesame seeds.
Step 2 — Make the Cold Brew Ganache Patty
Heat heavy cream and Funnel Mill Kyoto Cold Brew concentrate in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, then mix in butter. Pour into a 4-inch round mold and refrigerate 2–3 hours until firm. Unmold and trim edges to look like a burger patty.
Step 3 — Whip the Matcha Buttercream "Lettuce"
Beat softened butter until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Sift in powdered sugar and ceremonial matcha powder. Mix on low, then increase speed. Add heavy cream one tbsp at a time until spreadable. Season with a pinch of salt. Transfer to a piping bag with a ruffled tip. Pipe in loose, leafy layers around the patty to mimic lettuce.
Step 4 — Set the Strawberry Agar "Tomato"
Whisk agar-agar into water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Stir in strawberry jam until fully combined. Pour into a flat dish to about ¼-inch thickness. Refrigerate 30 minutes until set. Cut into rounds using a 4-inch cookie cutter.
Step 5 — Set the Mango Passion Fruit "Cheese"
Combine mango purée, passion fruit juice, sugar, and agar-agar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour into a flat dish to about ⅛-inch thickness. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Cut into a square to mimic a cheese slice.
Step 6 — Make the Masala Chai Spice "Sauce"
Melt sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, swirling (not stirring) until amber in color. Add butter carefully — it will bubble. Stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add all chai spices and a pinch of black pepper. Simmer 1 minute, then remove from heat. Cool slightly before using.
Step 7 — Assemble the "Burger"
Place the bottom espresso cake bun on a serving plate. Layer the cold brew ganache patty on top. Add the mango passion fruit "cheese" slice. Pipe the matcha buttercream "lettuce" around the edges. Place the strawberry agar "tomato" round on top. Drizzle generously with chai caramel "sauce." Cap with the top espresso bun (sesame seed side up).
Pairing Suggestion:
Serve alongside a chilled glass of our Funnel Mill Kyoto Cold Brew concentrate or a hot cup of ceremonial matcha — because every great prank deserves a great cup.