Name: London Fog Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 44 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: British-inspired
Ingredients: 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; 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; 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; purple food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with a cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the London Fog Cake is an absolute must-try. This delightful creation combines the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea and delicate lavender into a moist, tender cake, all topped with a luxuriously creamy lavender-infused cream cheese frosting. The subtle floral notes and gentle tea aroma make the London Fog Cake a unique treat that’s both elegant and cozy – perfect for sharing with friends over a chat or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each bring a special quality to the London Fog Cake. From the fragrant Earl Grey tea leaves to the creamy frosting components, every element plays a part in creating a balanced flavor and pleasing texture.

Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp + 2 tbsp): The distinctive bergamot flavor sets the foundation, infusing both the cake and soaking milk.

Culinary lavender (1 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Adds a delicate floral note that elevates the cake’s fragrance and frosting.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the structure of the cake with a tender crumb.

Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) and baking soda (1/4 tsp): Key for rise and lightness.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

Unsalted butter (10 tbsp + 1 cup): Provides richness and helps keep the cake moist and frosting silky.
Granulated white sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add moisture.

Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp + 1 tsp): Adds depth and warmth to both cake and frosting.
Buttermilk (1 cup) and whole milk (1/2 cup): Provide moisture and tenderness, with the buttermilk adding slight tanginess.
Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Enriches the Earl Grey milk soak with creamy sweetness.

Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): Makes the frosting luxuriously creamy and tangy.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and firms up the frosting.
Purple food coloring (optional): Gives the frosting a beautiful lavender hue.

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Earl Grey Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan, lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. Grind the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender until finely ground for a smooth infusion of flavors. Combining the dry ingredients – flour, ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – ensures your cake will rise evenly and have a perfectly balanced taste.

Step 2: Creaming and Mixing

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it traps air to help the cake rise. Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla bean paste, mixing until smooth and light. Alternate adding the buttermilk and dry ingredients slowly to your batter, mixing gently to maintain the cake’s tender crumb.

Step 3: Baking the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 38 to 44 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment paper to cool completely on a wire rack. This careful cooling phase is key to maintaining the cake’s moist texture.

Step 4: Making the Earl Grey Milk Soak

While the cake cools, gently heat the milk and steep additional Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes to capture those soothing aromatic flavors. Strain and then stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste to create a luscious soaking liquid that will penetrate the cake for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Preparing the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Grind the culinary lavender finely and pass through a sieve to avoid any rough bits in the frosting. Beat the butter until pale and fluffy, then add cold cream cheese and continue mixing until creamy and smooth. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, lavender, and vanilla bean paste, finishing with optional purple food coloring for a lovely lavender shade that matches the cake’s flavor theme.

Step 6: Assembling the London Fog Cake

Slice off a thin top layer of the cooled cake to help the soak absorb more easily. Poke small holes all over the cake’s surface, then carefully pour the Earl Grey milk soak on top, allowing the liquid to gently seep in. Once soaked, generously frost the cake with the lavender cream cheese frosting. Cut into 16 slices and get ready to delight your taste buds!

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of dried edible lavender buds or a few fresh lavender sprigs on top of the frosting adds a beautiful natural touch and enhances the floral aroma of the cake. For a whimsical look, a dusting of finely grated white chocolate can make the cake feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a warm chai latte to echo and complement the delicate tea notes. For a fresh contrast, try serving alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote, which adds a pop of color and a refreshing burst of flavor against the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate the London Fog Cake at your next gathering by serving on a tiered cake stand surrounded by tea cups and teapots for a charming tea party vibe. Alternatively, cut the cake into petite squares and arrange on a decorative platter with small edible flowers for a fancy afternoon tea presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, you can store any leftover London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its freshness and creaminess. Be sure to cover it well to prevent the cake from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to do so before frosting. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to keep it protected, freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before applying the frosting.

Reheating

Since the London Fog Cake is best enjoyed chilled with its luscious frosting, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly warm treat, simply let slices come to room temperature or gently warm for 10-15 seconds in the microwave, being careful not to melt the frosting entirely.

FAQs

What makes a London Fog Cake different from a regular cake?

The London Fog Cake is unique because it incorporates Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender into the batter, soaking milk, and frosting, giving it a floral, tea-infused flavor that’s subtle yet distinctive.

Can I substitute the lavender if I’m not a fan?

While the lavender adds a lovely fragrance and flavor, you can omit it or replace it with a little lemon zest or vanilla for a different but still delicious twist.

Is the cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking with similar results.

How do I ensure the cake absorbs the Earl Grey milk soak well?

Cutting a thin layer off the top and poking multiple small holes allows the soak to penetrate thoroughly, keeping the cake moist and flavorful throughout.

Can I make the frosting vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use powdered sugar that is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about the London Fog Cake that brings together floral notes and classic tea flavors into a slice of pure joy. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging in a quiet moment with a steaming cup of tea, this cake promises to brighten your day. So go on, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

London Fog Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 16 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicate and aromatic London Fog Cake infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, layered with a fragrant Earl Grey milk soak and topped with a luscious lavender cream cheese frosting. This cake combines the floral, citrusy notes of Earl Grey with the subtle sweetness of lavender, perfect for tea lovers seeking a unique and elegant dessert.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cake removal.

Grind Earl Grey and Lavender: Add 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1 tbsp culinary lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Sift through a sieve to remove any large bits ensuring smooth texture in the cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground tea and lavender with 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on high speed, cream 10 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 3 eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until pale in color and smooth, about 1 minute.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the buttermilk (1 cup) and the dry ingredient mixture to the batter on low speed, mixing until just combined. Scrape the bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure even mixing.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 38-44 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool Cake: Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on the rack.
Prepare Earl Grey Milk Soak: In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup whole milk until steaming. Add 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender. Let steep for 15 minutes off heat, strain to remove solids, and allow to cool. Mix in 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste. Set aside.
Make Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting: Pulse 1 tbsp culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground and sift. Beat 1 cup softened butter on high speed for 5 minutes until fluffy. Add 8 oz cold cream cheese and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. Sift in 2 cups powdered sugar, add lavender and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, mixing on low to combine and then high for 1 minute. Add purple food coloring if using and mix well.

Prepare Cake for Soak: Once cooled, trim a thin layer off the top of the cake to help the soak absorb. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and gently poke holes all over the top using a wooden stick or handle.
Apply Earl Grey Milk Soak: Slowly pour the milk soak evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually through the holes and into the cake.
Frost the Cake: Spread a thick, even layer of the lavender cream cheese frosting on top of the soaked cake using an offset spatula.

Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into 16 slices and serve, savoring the fragrant and delicate flavors of this London Fog inspired dessert.

Notes

Use high-quality Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender for the best flavor.
Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and cake texture.

Do not skip the soaking step as it adds moisture and infuses the tea flavor deeply.
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the soak and frosting to prevent melting.
Lavender in the frosting can be adjusted according to taste preference.

The purple food coloring is optional but adds a lovely lavender hue to the frosting.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 44 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking, Soaking

Cuisine: British-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cake)
Calories: 380 kcal

Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 22 g

Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g

Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g

Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: London Fog Cake, Earl Grey Cake, Lavender Cake, Tea Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Floral Cake, Tea Party Dessert