Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Chasing the delicate balance of tea and cake led me to create this marvel we call London Fog Cake. With the enchanting combination of Earl Grey tea and fragrant lavender, this dessert transports me to cozy afternoons in a quaint café, a world away from fast food chaos. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice that’s not just moist and tender but also infused with a sweet Earl Grey lavender milk soak. As an added indulgence, this cake is adorned with silky vanilla bean cream cheese frosting, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, ensuring you spend more time enjoying and less time in the kitchen. Curious about how to whip up this heavenly treat? Let’s dive in!” Why is London Fog Cake a Must-Try? Decadent Flavors: The unique blend of Earl Grey tea and lavender delivers an enchanting flavor profile that elevates your dessert game like never before. Moist Texture: This cake’s soaking method guarantees every bite is incredibly moist and tender, rivaling even the finest tres leches cakes. Simple Ingredients: With accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that impresses friends and family alike. Quick Prep Time: This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to whip up a fabulous cake without spending hours in the kitchen. Versatile Serving: Pair it with your favorite brewed Earl Grey or serve at brunch; this cake shines in any setting, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser. Gluten-Free Option: Don’t hesitate to cater to everyone! Just swap in a gluten-free baking flour for similar results that everyone can enjoy. London Fog Cake Ingredients • Prepare to create an unforgettable experience with these delightful ingredients that will bring your London Fog Cake to life! For the Cake Earl Grey Tea – The primary flavor component; use loose leaf or cut open tea bags for the best infusion. Culinary Lavender – Adds floral notes; opt for dried lavender for the best flavor and avoid lavender extract. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; remember to spoon and level your flour to ensure proper measurement. Baking Powder – A leavening agent for that fluffy cake you’ll love. Baking Soda – Adds an extra lift for a light and airy texture. Salt – Enhances overall flavor, balancing the sweetness beautifully. Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened at room temperature. Granulated White Sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture; a key ingredient for deliciousness. Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; use eggs that are at room temperature for best results. Vanilla Bean Paste – Infuses a robust vanilla flavor; can easily be swapped with vanilla extract if necessary. Buttermilk – Gives moisture and tenderness; substitute with milk and vinegar/lemon juice if needed. For the Milk Soak Whole Milk – The base for your creamy soak that enhances flavor. Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds delightful sweetness and makes the soak richer. For the Frosting Lavender Cream Cheese – Provides richness and fluff; mix with sugar and lavender for a perfect finish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cake Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×9-inch light metal baking pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation sets the stage for the perfect London Fog Cake. Step 2: Grind the Tea and Lavender In a food processor, pulse together the Earl Grey tea and dried culinary lavender until finely ground, aiming for a powdery texture. Once ground, sift the mixture to retain only the fine particles. This step ensures your London Fog Cake is infused with a smooth, aromatic flavor without any unpleasant texture. Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the ground tea-lavender mixture until well combined. This blend of dry ingredients helps provide structure and an even rise for your cake. Get ready to create a wonderfully aromatic batter! Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light, tender London Fog Cake. Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Next, add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this by pouring in the vanilla bean paste and mix until the batter is smooth. This process adds moisture and depth of flavor to your cake, ensuring a delightful eating experience. Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully incorporate the buttermilk into the batter, alternating with the dry ingredient mixture in three additions. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition. Be cautious not to overmix; a beautifully moist London Fog Cake comes from a gentle mixing approach at this stage. Step 7: Bake the Cake Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when touched, indicating it’s ready to come out of the oven. Step 8: Create the Milk Soak While the cake is baking, prepare the milk soak by heating the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, steep the remaining Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla to create a rich, flavorful soak. Step 9: Make the Frosting For the lavender cream cheese frosting, in a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter with cream cheese until fluffy, usually 3-5 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, along with lavender and vanilla, mixing on low speed until everything is combined and the frosting is light and airy. Set aside for assembly. Step 10: Soak and Frost the Cake Once the cake has cooled completely, gently trim the top to create an even surface. Poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork, then slowly pour the Earl Grey milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Finish by spreading a generous layer of lavender cream cheese frosting across the top, setting your London Fog Cake up for a delicious reveal. Step 11: Serve and Enjoy Slice your beautifully adorned London Fog Cake and serve it alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea to enhance those wonderful flavors. Each bite of this moist cake, enriched with a lavender cream cheese frosting, promises to transport you to a cozy café. Happy baking! Expert Tips for London Fog Cake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all wet ingredients, like eggs and butter, are at room temperature for optimal emulsion and texture. Proper Flour Measurement: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to a dense cake. Sifting is Key: Always sift the ground Earl Grey and lavender after processing to remove any larger particles. This ensures a smooth, infused flavor throughout the London Fog Cake. Light Metal Pan: Use a light-colored metal baking pan for even baking. Dark pans can cause over-baking, affecting the cake’s moist texture. Soaking Patience: Pour the Earl Grey milk soak slowly to allow proper absorption. This step is critical for achieving that incredible moistness. London Fog Cake Variations & Substitutions Feel free to personalize your London Fog Cake and let your creativity shine in the kitchen with these delightful ideas! Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a delicious, dairy-free alternative. A nutty milk really complements the floral notes of lavender, making your cake just as luscious without the dairy. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour, like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 blend, for a cake that caters to all diets. With the right gluten-free flour, everyone at your gathering can indulge in this tasty treat without compromise. Flavor Twist: Add a splash of almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of nutty sweetness. This contrasting flavor dances beautifully with Earl Grey, adding a whole new dimension to your exciting cake! More Lavender: Increase the amount of culinary lavender in the frosting or cake for a more pronounced floral taste. Just remember that a little goes a long way – too much can overwhelm the palette, but the right hint of lavender creates magic. Citrus Infusion: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a zesty citrus twist that brightens the dessert. Aromatic citrus amplifies the tea flavors while adding a refreshing touch that redefines your classic London Fog experience. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor profile in the cake. These warm spices offer a comforting embrace, especially when served alongside a hot cup of tea for those chilly evenings. Lavender Sugar: Make lavender-infused sugar by blending granulated sugar with dried lavender for a unique sweetness throughout. Using this sugar in the batter and frosting creates a consistent floral essence that will surprise and delight your guests. Chai Twist: Replace Earl Grey with chai tea for an exotic, spiced version of this enchanting cake. This swap brings a new layer of warmth and complexity, showcasing a combination that is spectacularly aromatic and comforting. Explore these variations and make the London Fog Cake your very own creation, ensuring a delightful experience for you and your loved ones! What to Serve with London Fog Cake To complement your indulgent slice of this fragrant treat, consider these delectable pairings that enhance the cake’s delicate flavors. Earl Grey Tea: A cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey amplifies the tea’s flavors in the cake while providing a cozy beverage to sip alongside. Lemon Curd: The bright zing of lemon curd cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors and adding a refreshing contrast. Scones with Clotted Cream: These classic tea-time staples will transport you back to cozy cafés, creating a delightful afternoon snack experience. Fresh Berries: Juicy berries like raspberries or blueberries add a burst of freshness and color, brightening each bite of your cake. Lavender-infused Iced Tea: A chilled drink with hints of lavender ties in beautifully with the flavors of the cake. It’s perfect for warm afternoons. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious layer to your dessert experience, providing a delightful textural contrast. Cheesecake Bars: For a unique twist, serve with light and creamy cheesecake bars that add richness without overpowering the London Fog Cake. Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over each slice enhances sweetness naturally, pairing beautifully with the lavender notes in the cake. How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cake Fridge: Store leftover London Fog Cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to reach room temperature before serving to maintain its delightful moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, remove from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, leave at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. Reheating: If you’d like to warm your cake, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive its moist texture without compromising flavor. Make Ahead Options These London Fog Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the cake itself up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture. The Earl Grey milk soak can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—this enhances the cake’s flavor. When ready to serve, poke holes in the cake and pour the prepared soak over it, allowing it to absorb fully for that signature moistness. Finally, whip up the lavender cream cheese frosting right before serving to ensure it stays fluffy and fresh, delivering that delightful touch to your already luscious London Fog Cake! London Fog Cake Recipe FAQs What kind of Earl Grey tea is best for this cake? Absolutely! For the best flavor, use loose leaf Earl Grey tea or high-quality tea bags. If using bags, make sure to cut them open to release the full aroma. The complexity of the tea enhances the cake’s flavor, making each bite even more delightful. How long can I store the London Fog Cake and how should I do it? You can store your London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will help retain its moist and tender texture. If you notice it getting too firm, a quick warm-up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can help bring back its enticing softness! Can I freeze London Fog Cake, and if so, how? Yes, you can freeze the London Fog Cake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no exposed edges, and place them in a freezer-safe container. This method ensures the cake stays moist and fresh while frozen. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or for a faster method, sit it at room temperature for 1 hour before serving. What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise as much as expected? Very! If your cake doesn’t rise properly, there may be a few culprits. First, double-check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents may lose their potency. Also, make sure you’re incorporating the ingredients gently and not over-mixing the batter, as this could lead to a denser cake. Lastly, always be sure to accurately measure your flour to avoid a heavy texture. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! I often recommend using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. This blend mimics the texture of all-purpose flour, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious London Fog Cake without gluten. Just ensure you follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll have a beautiful cake for everyone to enjoy! Moist London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender Magic Experience the enchanting flavors of this London Fog Cake infused with Earl Grey tea and lavender, perfect for any dessert occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 44 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 4 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: BritishCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 cup Earl Grey Tea Use loose leaf or cut open tea bags for the best infusion.2 tablespoons Culinary Lavender Opt for dried lavender for the best flavor.2 cups All-Purpose Flour Spoon and level for proper measurement.1 tablespoon Baking Powder1 teaspoon Baking Soda1/2 teaspoon Salt1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Softened at room temperature.1 1/2 cups Granulated White Sugar3 large Eggs Use room temperature eggs.1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste Can be substituted with vanilla extract.1 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar/lemon juice.For the Milk Soak1 cup Whole Milk1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed MilkFor the Frosting8 oz Lavender Cream Cheese Mix with sugar and lavender for perfect finish. Equipment MixerFood Processor9x9 inch Baking PanParchment Papersaucepan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter and parchment paper.Grind the Earl Grey tea and dried culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground.Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground tea-lavender mixture in a mixing bowl.Cream softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until fluffy.Add room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla bean paste.Alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredient mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38-44 minutes.Prepare the milk soak by heating whole milk, steeping Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes, then mix in sweetened condensed milk.Cream together softened butter and cream cheese for frosting; gradually add powdered sugar and lavender until fluffy.Once cake cools, trim top, poke holes, pour milk soak over, and frost with lavender cream cheese frosting.Slice and serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Sift ground tea and lavender to remove larger particles. Use a light-colored pan for even baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
