London Fog Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then this London Fog Cake is just the thing for you! It’s an enchanting blend of Earl Grey tea and delicate lavender, creating a cake that’s both comforting and sophisticated. I love making this cake for family gatherings or cozy weekend afternoons with friends. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea or celebrating a special day. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my all-time favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of Earl Grey tea and lavender offers a delightful twist on traditional cake flavors.
• Moist and Soft Texture: Thanks to the sweet Earl Grey lavender milk soak, every slice is unbelievably tender and moist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake impresses every time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the cake in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With its lovely taste and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to be loved by everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful London Fog Cake. Each component adds its own magic to this cake, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

For the Cake

• 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea
• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
• 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

For the Soaking Mixture

• 2 tbsp (8 g) Earl Grey tea
• 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender
• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Frosting

• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• (optional: purple food coloring)

Variations

This London Fog Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up while keeping that great flavor.

• Add zest: A little lemon or orange zest will give your cake a fresh citrus twist.
• Try different teas: Swap out the Earl Grey for chai or jasmine tea for unique flavor profiles.
• Use dairy alternatives: Substitute almond milk or coconut yogurt if you need dairy-free options.
• Change the frosting: Experiment with different frostings like whipped cream or chocolate ganache for variety.

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Earl Grey tea leaves, and culinary lavender. These dry ingredients will provide structure and flavor to your cake. Sifting them ensures everything mixes evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your batter, making your cake soft and airy. Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla bean paste until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in buttermilk and whole milk into your batter gradually. The buttermilk adds moisture and tanginess that balances out sweetness beautifully. Be sure not to overmix here; just combine until smooth.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into prepared cake pans and spread it evenly. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma of tea and lavender—trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Prepare Soaking Mixture

While your cakes cool down, prepare the soaking mixture by combining brewed Earl Grey tea with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. This infusion gives depth of flavor while keeping your cake moist.

Step 6: Soak & Cool

Once cooled slightly, poke holes into each layer before drizzling on your soaking mixture generously. Let them absorb all that delicious liquid—it’s what makes this London Fog Cake truly special!

Step 7: Make the Frosting

To make your frosting creamy and dreamy, beat together softened butter and cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by culinary lavender and vanilla bean paste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drop of purple food coloring!

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, frost between layers as well as on top! You can get creative with decorations if you like—a sprinkle of dried lavender on top adds an elegant touch.

And there you have it! A stunning London Fog Cake perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging solo! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making London Fog Cake

Creating the perfect London Fog Cake is a delightful journey, and these handy tips will help you achieve a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that will impress everyone.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender are fresh for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the taste of your cake, making it aromatic and inviting.
• Room temperature eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate better with the other ingredients, leading to a fluffier cake texture.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together not only removes lumps but also aerates them. This can result in a lighter cake that rises beautifully during baking.
• Soak evenly: When soaking the cake with the Earl Grey lavender milk, make sure to distribute it evenly across the top. This ensures that each slice is perfectly moist without being overly soggy.
• Chill cream cheese before frosting: Start with cold cream cheese when making your frosting. This helps create a firmer texture that’s easier to spread and gives an elegant finish to your cake.

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Serving your London Fog Cake can be just as delightful as baking it! Here are some ideas to present this beautiful dessert that will have your guests raving.

Garnishes

• Edible flowers: Sprinkling a few edible flowers like violets or pansies on top adds an elegant touch and enhances the floral notes of the cake.
• Lavender sprigs: A small sprig of culinary lavender on each slice not only looks beautiful but also intensifies the aroma and flavor profile of your dessert.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top creates a lovely snowy finish that’s visually appealing and adds a touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, or citrus complements the floral notes of the cake while adding freshness to every bite.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing; it balances out the flavors beautifully and adds a lovely contrast in temperature.
• Chai tea: Serving a warm cup of chai alongside this cake creates a comforting experience that enhances its tea-inspired flavors.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on each slice adds an extra creamy element that pairs perfectly with the moistness of the cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your London Fog Cake will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This London Fog Cake is not only a delightful treat but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Here’s how to store your cake and keep it fresh for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to come to room temperature before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the cake has cooled completely.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• For a warm treat, use the microwave: heat each slice for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious London Fog Cake.

Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea for the London Fog Cake?

Absolutely! Loose leaf Earl Grey tea works wonderfully. Just make sure to measure it accurately and consider using a fine mesh strainer if you’re steeping it directly in milk.

How do I get the best flavor from my London Fog Cake?

To boost the flavor of your London Fog Cake, ensure you’re using high-quality Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender. Steeping these ingredients properly will enhance their essence throughout the cake.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting on my London Fog Cake?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting according to your taste preference. Just remember that reducing sugar too much may affect its texture.

Is there a way to make this London Fog Cake gluten-free?

Certainly! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How should I serve my London Fog Cake?

This cake is perfect on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or quiet afternoons.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this lovely London Fog Cake! Its unique blend of Earl Grey and lavender flavors creates such a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience and any personal twists you add—I’d love to hear how your cake turns out! Enjoy every slice!