When the first hint of spring arrives, I find myself longing for a slice of something truly special. This is how I stumbled across the enchanting recipe for London Fog Cake. Imagine a soft, moist cake that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate, infused with the comforting warmth of Earl Grey tea and the subtle fragrance of lavender. As you take a bite, the silky-sweet experience transports you to an afternoon tea party, where every moment feels elevated.
What makes this cake truly stand out is its luxurious lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting and the unique Earl Grey lavender milk soak that adds depth to every slice. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. It’s a charming way to embrace home-cooked flavors, pulling you away from the monotony of fast food. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and whip up a cake that warms the heart and stirs the senses!
Why will you love this London Fog Cake?
Irresistible flavors come together in this delightful cake, creating a unique dessert experience that elevates any gathering. Decadent frosting of lavender vanilla bean cream cheese adds a touch of luxury with every bite. Easy to make, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs who enjoy a comforting slice of home-baked goodness. Versatile serving suggestions let you pair it with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea for an afternoon treat. Ready to bring a slice of sophistication into your kitchen? Dive into this enchanting recipe and embark on a culinary adventure!
London Fog Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- Earl Grey Tea – Provides the distinctive flavor base; use two bags for a deeper taste in your London Fog Cake.
- Culinary Lavender – Adds floral notes that enhance the tea flavor; make sure it’s culinary grade for safety.
- All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure; accurate measuring ensures a light and fluffy cake.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Key leavening agents that help the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated White Sugar – Sweetens the cake while contributing to its delightful texture.
- Eggs – Provide structure and moisture; using them at room temperature improves incorporation.
- Vanilla Bean Paste – Offers depth to flavor; can be substituted with pure vanilla extract if needed.
- Buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist; a homemade mix of milk and vinegar works well.
For the Soak
- Whole Milk – Used to soak the cake, enhancing its creaminess and flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds extra sweetness and moisture to the soak.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the luxurious frosting; use cold for easier mixing.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; sift for a perfectly smooth finish.
- Lavender – Infuses the frosting with that enchanting floral flavor; use cautiously for balance.
- Purple Food Coloring (optional) – For an aesthetic appeal that adds charm to the frosting’s presentation.
Embrace the warmth of each ingredient as you prepare this scrumptious London Fog Cake!
How to Make London Fog Cake
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Preheat Oven: Begin your aromatic adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch light-colored metal pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
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Prepare Flour Mixture: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground Earl Grey tea, ground culinary lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This blend is the foundation of your cake’s delightful texture, so ensure it’s well-mixed and set aside.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, leading to a light and airy texture.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla bean paste, ensuring it’s all fully combined for that rich depth of flavor.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually alternate adding the buttermilk and the prepared dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter; this helps prevent overmixing.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
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Make Milk Soak: In a pot, heat the whole milk and steep it with Earl Grey tea and lavender until fragrant. Allow to cool, then combine with sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla.
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Make Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, cream the cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and lavender, mixing until fluffy and delightful. This frosting is the cherry on top of your cake!
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Assemble Cake: Once the cake has cooled, poke holes in the top using a skewer or toothpick. Drizzle the prepared milk soak over the surface, letting it seep in. Top off with a generous layer of your lavender cream cheese frosting.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of culinary lavender for added charm.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This London Fog Cake is an absolute gem for meal prep and makes life easier for busy home cooks! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen as it sits. Once cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its moisture. The milk soak can also be prepared a day ahead; simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to drizzle it over the cake. When it’s time to serve, frost the cake with your delicious cream cheese frosting, which can be made up to 3 days in advance as well. Just give it a good stir before spreading for the best texture! Following these prep steps not only saves you time but ensures your London Fog Cake is just as delightful as freshly baked!
How to Store and Freeze London Fog Cake
Fridge: Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the cake’s moisture and flavor. Allow it to reach room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. The London Fog Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This enhances the flavors and gives a cozy, just-baked feel.
Layering: When storing, avoid stacking layers of cake directly on top of each other to prevent smushing the frosting. Use parchment paper between layers if needed.
Expert Tips for Perfect London Fog Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for optimal mixing and cake texture.
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Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for measuring flour; this prevents a dense cake that could result from too much flour.
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Cool Cake Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting; this ensures your lavender cream cheese frosting stays fluffy and doesn’t melt.
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Patience with Soaking: After baking, let the milk soak penetrate the cake for at least 30 minutes; this adds incredible moisture and depth to your London Fog Cake.
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Sift Powdered Sugar: For a smooth frosting, always sift your powdered sugar before mixing; this eliminates lumps and enhances texture.
What to Serve with London Fog Cake?
Indulge in a delightful array of pairings that truly elevate your sweet experience.
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Earl Grey Tea: This classic pairing enhances the cake’s tea flavors, creating a soothing and aromatic experience. A warm cup brings out the cake’s delicate notes, perfect for a cozy afternoon.
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Lavender Iced Tea: Refreshing and floral, this drink embodies the cake’s essence while cooling you down during warmer months. Serve it over ice for a lovely, fragrant escape.
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Lemon Scones: Their buttery texture and slight citrus kick provide a balanced contrast to the cake’s sweetness, making each bite duo unforgettable. It’s a classic afternoon tea pairing that you won’t want to miss!
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds fluffiness and complements the lavender, making a fantastic topping for each slice. It transforms the cake into a luxurious indulgence.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and refreshing acidity, enhancing the sweetness of the cake and providing a beautiful presentation. They also offer a delightful texture contrast!
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Chocolate Truffles: For the chocolate lovers, these decadent bites bring richness to your dessert table, perfectly balancing the fragrant sweetness of the London Fog Cake. It’s a luxurious way to end your meal!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the cake’s texture. Almost like a warm hug, it creates an irresistible sweet sensation when paired together.
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Chamomile Tea: Its gentle floral flavor complements the lavender beautifully, creating a soothing sipping experience that enhances the cake’s delicate notes. Ideal for a calming evening treat!
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the cake elevates the sweetness, emphasizing the warmth of the tea and floral flavors in a delightful way. Just a touch adds a lovely richness!
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Fruit Tart: A slice of fruit tart provides a playful texture with its crisp crust and creamy filling, making for a stunning dessert combination alongside your cake. The natural sweetness and vibrant colors create a visual feast!
London Fog Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this enchanting cake uniquely yours!
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Chai Twist: Substitute Earl Grey with chai tea for a spiced flavor profile. The warmth of spices adds a cozy touch.
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Lavender Alternatives: Swap culinary lavender for edible flowers like rose or hibiscus for a different floral note. These offer a stunning presentation and a lovely aroma.
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Gluten-Free: Use 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising flavor or texture.
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Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens every bite.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter for an unexpected crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake.
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Fruity Surprise: Layer some fresh berries between the cake and frosting or as a garnish on top to introduce a burst of flavor and color.
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Chocolate Infusion: Add cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of this cake, using the same soak and frosting. Chocolate pairs remarkably well with Earl Grey flavors!
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Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the frosting for a refreshing twist that elevates the cake’s aromatic profile.
These variations allow you to personalize your London Fog Cake while still enjoying its delightful essence!
London Fog Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right Earl Grey tea for my London Fog Cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea or premium tea bags. I recommend using about two bags or two tablespoons of loose leaf for a nice balance of aroma and taste. The more fragrant, the better!
What is the best way to store leftover London Fog Cake?
To keep your London Fog Cake fresh, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This preserves the cake’s moisture and prevents it from drying out. When you’re ready to indulge, let it reach room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Can I freeze London Fog Cake? If so, how?
Yes! Freezing is a great way to extend the life of your cake. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
What should I do if my cake turns out too dense?
Very! A dense cake can often be attributed to too much flour or overmixing the batter. To avoid this, measure your flour using a kitchen scale instead of packing it into a measuring cup. Also, mix just until combined in the batter assembly stage. If you do find yourself with a dense cake, don’t despair—layering it with extra frosting or a fruit compote can add moisture and lift flavors.
Is this recipe safe for people with lavender allergies?
Yes! If you or anyone you’re serving has allergies to lavender, simply omit it from the recipe. You can still create a delicious Earl Grey Cake by enhancing the flavors with a bit more vanilla bean paste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To turn this London Fog Cake recipe into a gluten-free delight, switch out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour like Bob’s Red Mill. Just keep an eye on the texture—it might turn out a tad denser, but still oh-so-delicious!
Decadent London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9 inch light-colored metal pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground Earl Grey tea, ground culinary lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla bean paste.
- Gradually alternate adding the buttermilk and the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the milk soak, heat whole milk and steep with Earl Grey tea and lavender until fragrant, then cool and combine with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
- Cream the cold cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and lavender until fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled, poke holes in the top and drizzle the prepared milk soak over it. Top with lavender cream cheese frosting.