There’s something truly enchanting about indulging in a slice of London Fog Cake, especially when the delicate notes of Earl Grey tea and the whisper of lavender envelop your senses. I first discovered this delightful dessert during a quiet afternoon when I was craving something sweet yet sophisticated, and it instantly became a favorite in my home. The rich yet airy texture of the cake, soaked in a sweet lavender-infused milk, creates a luxurious experience reminiscent of a traditional tres leches cake—without the overwhelming saturation. Topped with a silky lavender cream cheese frosting, this cake is not just a treat; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the moments that matter. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together and create a cake that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is London Fog Cake a Must-Try?
Indulge in the irresistible charm of this cake, as every bite transports you to a serene tea garden.
Aromatic Elegance: Infused with Earl Grey and lavender, it delivers a sophisticated flavor profile.
Moist Delight: The milk soak keeps it perfectly soft and moist, akin to a tres leches cake.
Exquisite Frosting: A creamy lavender cream cheese topping that’s a dessert lover’s dream.
Visually Stunning: The cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a great centerpiece for gatherings.
Easily Adaptable: With gluten-free options and diverse flavor variations, it’s perfect for any occasion!
London Fog Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- Earl Grey Tea – Use loose leaf or 2 tea bags for a robust flavor.
- Culinary Lavender – Opt for dried lavender to enhance the cake’s aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour – Make sure to measure correctly for the best structure.
- Baking Powder – Ensure it’s fresh for a fluffy crumb.
- Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt – Use fine salt to enhance the flavors evenly.
- Unsalted Butter – Should be at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Granulated White Sugar – Crucial for a well-creamed mixture.
- Eggs – Use room temperature eggs for a smooth batter.
- Vanilla Bean Paste – Provides richer flavor than extract; substitute if desired.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and can be easily made at home.
- Whole Milk – For soaking; it enhances both moisture and flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – A key ingredient for a luscious soak.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Should be cold for better integration into the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar – Adjust based on how sweet and stiff you want the frosting.
- Culinary Lavender – Added for flavor; finely ground enhances the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract – Optional, for added flavor depth.
- Purple Food Coloring (optional) – Use for a vibrant, decorative touch.
How to Make London Fog Cake
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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Grind the Earl Grey tea and lavender together in a food processor until the mixture is fine and aromatic—this will infuse the cake with that distinctive flavor.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, ensuring everything is evenly combined. Set it aside for later.
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Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl for about 2 minutes—this mixture should be light and fluffy, creating a lovely base for your cake.
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Add the room temperature eggs and vanilla bean paste, mixing until you have a smooth batter that’s well incorporated and free of lumps.
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Incorporate the buttermilk and your dry mixture gradually, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy—just perfect for pouring into your prepared pan.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38-44 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is baked perfectly.
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Cool the cake in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, letting the texture set beautifully.
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Prepare the milk soak by heating the whole milk, Earl Grey tea, and lavender in a saucepan; steep it for 15 minutes, then cool. Mix this infused milk with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until combined.
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Make the frosting by grinding a bit of lavender and then creaming the cold cream cheese with butter until fluffy; gradually add in the powdered sugar, lavender, and vanilla until it reaches a creamy consistency.
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Level the top of the cooled cake and poke holes throughout the surface. Pour the luscious milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb all that deliciousness for a few minutes.
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Frost the soaked cake generously with the lavender cream cheese frosting, slicing it into 16 beautiful portions to serve and enjoy with your loved ones!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender on top for a lovely presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for London Fog Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using ingredients like eggs and butter at room temperature ensures a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
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Measure Carefully: Always weigh your all-purpose flour on a digital scale to avoid a dense texture; too much flour can weigh your cake down.
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Gentle Mixing: Mix dry ingredients on low speed when combining them into the wet mixture; this prevents overworking the batter, promoting a tender crumb.
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Choose Proper Pans: Light-colored metal baking pans reflect heat, promoting even baking and preventing the cake from browning too quickly.
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Soaking Time Matters: Give the cake ample time to absorb the milk soak—this is crucial for achieving that soft, luxurious texture that defines a perfect London Fog Cake.
How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cake
Fridge: Store leftover London Fog cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help retain its moisture and flavor, keeping it delicious!
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, ensuring it stays moist.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the enchanting flavors right from the oven!
Room Temperature: For best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This will enhance the lovely Earl Grey and lavender notes.
London Fog Cake Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and awaken your creativity in the kitchen!
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Tea Swap: Replace the Earl Grey with chai or jasmine tea for an exciting flavor twist. Each tea brings its own unique essence that can elevate the cake experience.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. The result will still be delectable, soft, and enticing!
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Lavender-Free: If lavender isn’t your favorite, try incorporating citrus zest or a sprinkle of cardamom instead for an equally fragrant yet distinct flavor profile.
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Vegan-Friendly: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds, and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. This option creates a wonderfully moist cake without sacrificing taste!
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Fruit Infusion: Add fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, to the batter. These will bring a juicy burst to each slice, perfectly complementing the tea flavors.
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Citrus Glaze: For an added zest, create a lemon or orange glaze to drizzle over the top of your frosted cake. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a fun splash of color!
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Spice It Up: Introduce a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter for a touch of warmth that pairs wonderfully with the tea and lavender.
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Texture Boost: Fold in some chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
Whichever variation you choose, this enchanting London Fog Cake is designed to be a canvas for your culinary imagination!
What to Serve with London Fog Cake?
Elevate your London Fog cake experience by pairing it with delightful accompaniments that enhance its aromatic charm and make your gathering truly special.
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Earl Grey Tea: A classic pairing that echoes the flavors in the cake, deepening your tea-infused experience. Serve it hot for a comforting touch as you savor every bite.
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Lavender Lemonade: Refreshingly floral and bright, this drink balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly while adding a zesty twist to your afternoon treat.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious texture that complements the cake’s moist crumb without overshadowing its delicate flavors.
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Fruit Compote: A homemade berry or stone fruit compote brings a delightful contrast, providing a tart and juicy element that enhances the aromatic notes of the Earl Grey.
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Cheese Board: Create a serene cheese board, featuring creamy brie and mild goat cheese that pairs wonderfully with the cake, allowing guests to explore delicious flavor combinations.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A hint of rich dark chocolate drizzle can offer a luxurious touch, elevating the cake further for chocolate lovers while maintaining harmony with the lavender.
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Fresh Berries: Garnish with a medley of fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries. Their vibrant colors and flavors add freshness and a delightful pop to each slice.
By carefully choosing these accompaniments, you will create a memorable experience that truly showcases your indulgent London Fog cake, making every moment spent with loved ones feel extra special.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful London Fog Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. The milk soak can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to whisk it well before pouring it over the cake. To maintain the cake’s moist texture, frost it with cream cheese frosting only when ready to serve. When finished, simply serve slices directly from the fridge or let them come to room temperature for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
London Fog Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of Earl Grey tea should I use for the London Fog cake?
Absolutely! You can use either loose leaf Earl Grey tea or tea bags; I recommend 2 bags, which equals about 2 tablespoons of loose tea. The key is to ensure it’s a flavorful blend, as it will be the star of this enchanting cake.
How should I store the London Fog cake?
You can store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its soft and moist texture. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the delightful flavors fully!
Can I freeze the London Fog cake?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel!
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise, it could be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Make sure these ingredients are fresh for optimal results. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as overmixing can make the cake dense instead of airy.
Are there any allergies I should be aware of when making the London Fog cake?
Certainly! This recipe contains gluten from all-purpose flour and dairy from butter, buttermilk, and cream cheese. For a gluten-free option, swap in Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Additionally, you can use dairy-free cream cheese for a non-dairy version if needed. Always check for personal allergies when baking for others!
Can I use other flavors instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely, the world is your oyster! You can interchange Earl Grey with flavored teas like chai or even floral-infused teas for exciting twists. Just adjust the amount to suit your taste, maintaining the beautiful infusion that makes this cake special.
Heavenly London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan.
- Grind the Earl Grey tea and lavender together in a food processor.
- Whisk together flour, ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla bean paste, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in buttermilk and dry mixture to form a creamy batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38-44 minutes.
- Cool the cake for 30 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare a milk soak by heating whole milk, Earl Grey tea, and lavender for 15 minutes.
- Mix the infused milk with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
- Make frosting by creaming cold cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, lavender, and vanilla.
- Level the top of the cooled cake and poke holes for the milk soak.
- Pour the milk soak over the cake and allow absorption.
- Frost the soaked cake with lavender cream cheese frosting and slice into 16 portions.