As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed Earl Grey wafted through the air, transporting me to the quaint tea shops of London. This enchanting London Fog Cake combines the beloved flavors of Earl Grey tea and fragrant lavender, creating a delightful dessert that feels as special as a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. Not only is this cake incredibly easy to make, but it also boasts a moist, tender crumb that will win the hearts of your family and friends. Topped with a light and creamy lavender vanilla bean frosting, this treat is perfect for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to elegant celebrations. Are you ready to indulge in this delectable twist on a classic dessert?
Why is London Fog Cake so special?
Unique Flavor Fusion: This cake is infused with Earl Grey and lavender, giving it a floral and comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
Delightfully Moist: The soaking technique ensures each slice remains incredibly moist, reminiscent of a classic tres leches cake.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up without a hitch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s an afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this cake is bound to impress your guests.
Impressive Presentation: Topped with a creamy lavender vanilla frosting, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is to taste, making it a standout dessert for any table.
Consider pairing it with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly indulgent experience, just like the recipes for Moist Chantilly Cake or Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon for a delightful afternoon treat!
London Fog Cake Ingredients
• Discover the essential ingredients for this delightful dessert!
For the Cake
- Earl Grey Tea – Ideal for infusing the cake with a distinct tea aroma; use loose leaf or 2 tea bags.
- Culinary Lavender – Enhances the floral notes; opt for dried lavender buds instead of extract for better flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the cake’s structure; measure accurately with a digital scale for best results.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Baking Soda – Balances acidity; works in harmony with sour ingredients.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; a small amount goes a long way.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; softened for optimal mixing, vegan butter can be a great substitute.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and provides structure; creaming it with butter yields a creamy texture.
- Eggs – Contribute to structure and moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for the best result.
- Vanilla Bean Paste – Delivers a rich vanilla flavor; can swap for vanilla extract in a pinch.
- Buttermilk – Ensures moisture and tenderness; substitute with milk + lemon juice or vinegar when needed.
For the Soaking Mixture
- Whole Milk – Acts as the base for the soak; use fresh for the best flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Provides sweetness and rich texture; can replace with a mix of evaporated milk and sugar.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Forms the creamy base of the frosting; should be cold for best mixing, vegan cream cheese is a great alternative.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; sift for a smoother texture.
- Lavender – Mix in to enhance the flavor of the frosting; finely ground for best results.
- Purple Food Coloring (optional) – For visual appeal; use to elevate the decorative elements of the frosting.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, prepare a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan by greasing it generously and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your London Fog Cake will slide out easily after baking, maintaining its lovely shape and texture.
Step 2: Grind the Tea and Lavender
In a food processor, combine the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender. Pulse until finely ground, ensuring there’s an even consistency throughout. Sift the mixture through a fine mesh to remove any larger bits that might disrupt the cake’s smooth texture. This fragrant blend will infuse the cake with its delightful flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the finely ground tea and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and flavoring, creating a harmonious blend that will make your London Fog Cake light and fluffy. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla bean paste, mixing until the batter is smooth. The combination of these ingredients brings richness and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour in the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients you prepared earlier. Mix just until combined, taking care not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth yet airy. The batter for your London Fog Cake should have a velvety texture, ready to become a delightful dessert.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; it should rise beautifully and have a light golden color. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Milk Soak
While your London Fog Cake cools, heat the whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat once it’s warm and steep the remaining Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes. After steeping, strain the mixture to remove the solids, then mix in the sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla until combined. Set aside to cool.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
For the frosting, finely grind additional lavender and then cream together the cold cream cheese and softened butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the ground lavender and vanilla bean paste to infuse the frosting with delightful flavor. The consistency should be creamy and easy to spread.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, trim the top if necessary to create an even surface. Poke holes throughout the cake with a skewer to allow the soak to penetrate. Drizzle the Earl Grey milk soak evenly across the cake, ensuring each slice will be moist and flavorful. Finally, spread the cream cheese frosting on top and slice the cake into 16 beautiful pieces, ready to serve.
Make Ahead Options
These Earl Grey Lavender London Fog Cakes are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can prepare the cake batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring fresh flavors while maintaining the cake’s moist texture. Additionally, the milk soak can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before drizzling it over the cooled cake. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the cake as directed and then proceed with soaking and frosting; it will be just as delicious as freshly baked!
London Fog Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these variations and substitutions that will keep your London Fog Cake exciting and unique with every bake!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and use coconut milk in the soaking mixture for a dairy-free delight.
- Floral Twist: Experiment with different floral teas like chamomile or hibiscus in place of Earl Grey for a new aromatic experience.
- Cupcake Version: Transform your cake into cupcakes! Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes for delightful individual servings.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar in the frosting by using honey or agave syrup for a natural alternative, making it a bit less sweet if desired.
- Frosting Fun: Try adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to your cream cheese frosting for a refreshing flavor boost.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in finely chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, into the cake batter for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Integrate cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolatey London Fog experience that pairs beautifully with the floral notes.
- Extra Moisture: Add a splash of flavored liqueur, like orange or lavender-infused liqueur, to your soaking mixture for an adult twist on this classic cake.
Feeling adventurous? For more beautiful cake ideas, check out the Ube Mochi Cake or the rich and indulgent Chocolate Cheesecake Decadent. These variations will surely elevate your baking game!
How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cake
Fridge: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep the London Fog Cake moist and flavorful while preventing it from drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful taste.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply place slices in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving.
Reheating: For a warm slice, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will enhance the cake’s moistness and bring out the lovely flavors of Earl Grey and lavender.
Helpful Tricks for London Fog Cake
- Temperature Matters: Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, to achieve a smooth and airy cake batter. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture rather than the light fluffiness associated with a good London Fog Cake.
- Pan Choice: Opt for a light-colored metal cake pan to ensure even baking. Darker pans tend to absorb more heat, which can cause the cake edges to overbake while the center remains undercooked.
- Soaking Technique: Be generous with the milk soak after the cake cools. Allowing it to fully absorb enhances the moistness, making each bite a luscious experience full of flavor.
- Sifting for Smoothness: Don’t skip the sifting of powdered sugar for the frosting; this helps create a smooth and creamy texture, ensuring your frosting is as delightful as the London Fog Cake itself.
- Presentation Tips: If desired, use purple food coloring in the frosting for an eye-catching finish. It adds a charming touch, making your cake just as visually stunning as it is tasty.
What to Serve with London Fog Cake
Indulging in a slice of this dreamy cake invites you to create the ultimate sweet escape.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, enhances the floral notes and adds a soothing touch.
- Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture of almond biscotti offers a delightful contrast and makes for a perfect dipping companion.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or blueberries lend a bright sweetness, complementing the cake’s delicate flavors beautifully.
- Lavender Lemonade: This refreshing drink echoes the cake’s lavender essence while adding a zesty twist, perfect for a warm afternoon.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly on warm cake slices, creating an indulgent treat.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top for a luxurious finishing touch that balances the floral taste with rich cocoa notes.
- Scones with Clotted Cream: Serve mini scones on the side for a delightful tea party vibe, paired with luxurious clotted cream for added richness.
- Sparkling Water: Light and bubbly, sparkling water adds a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between delectable bites.
- Lemon Zest Cookies: These citrusy delights offer a bright refreshing flavor that resonates well with the cake’s substantial sweetness.
London Fog Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right Earl Grey tea for this cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor infusion, opt for high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey or premium tea bags. I recommend using two tea bags, which is approximately equivalent to two tablespoons of loose-leaf tea. This will best capture the aromatic essence of the bergamot and balance beautifully with the lavender.
What’s the best way to store leftover London Fog Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This will help it retain its moisture and delicious flavors. Remember to allow it to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying to unlock all those delightful tastes once again!
Can I freeze London Fog Cake, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze this lovely cake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just transfer a slice to the fridge the night before or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If you find your cake has turned out denser than expected, the main culprit is often overmixing the batter. To avoid this in the future, mix only until the ingredients are combined. Also, using room temperature ingredients, particularly eggs and butter, promotes better aeration for a fluffier texture.
Is there a dairy-free option for London Fog Cake?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter and replace buttermilk with a mixture of whole milk and lemon juice (1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar). You can also use vegan cream cheese for the frosting to keep it completely dairy-free.
Can pets eat any of the ingredients in the cake?
While some ingredients in the London Fog Cake are fine for humans, it’s best to avoid sharing this treat with pets. Both onions in some teas and excessive sugar can pose health risks to dogs and cats. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.
Irresistibly Soft London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9 inch light metal baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender. Pulse until finely ground and sift the mixture to remove larger bits.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, finely ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla bean paste.
- Gradually pour in the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 38-44 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Heat the whole milk in a saucepan, steep the remaining Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes. Strain and mix with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
- For the frosting, cream together cold cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, stir in ground lavender and vanilla.
- Once the cake is cool, poke holes throughout and drizzle the Earl Grey milk soak evenly across. Spread cream cheese frosting on top and slice into 16 pieces.
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