Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

London Fog Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 14 reviews

This London Fog Cake is a delicate and fragrant dessert inspired by the classic Earl Grey tea latte. Infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, the moist cake is soaked in a lightly sweetened Earl Grey milk mixture and topped with a luscious lavender cream cheese frosting. Perfect for tea time or special occasions, this cake blends floral and citrus notes with creamy sweetness for an unforgettable treat.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

For the Earl Grey Cake

  • 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

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (included above but volume referenced here)

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. 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 ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Grind Tea and Lavender: Add the Earl Grey tea and lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to remove any large bits for a smooth texture in the cake.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this flour mixture.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla bean paste on medium speed until the batter is pale and smooth, about 1 minute.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the buttermilk and the dry flour mixture to the batter, mixing on low speed until just combined and smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mix.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 38-44 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, lift the cake out using the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on the rack.
  9. Prepare Earl Grey Milk Soak: Heat whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat until steaming. Add Earl Grey tea and lavender, steep for 15 minutes off heat, then strain and cool the milk.
  10. Mix Soak Ingredients: Combine the cooled Earl Grey milk with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. Set aside until needed.
  11. Prepare Lavender Frosting: Finely grind lavender in a food processor and sift out any large pieces. Cream butter in a large bowl on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  12. Add Cream Cheese: Add cold cream cheese to the creamed butter and beat on high speed until fluffy, around 1 minute.
  13. Incorporate Sugar and Flavorings: Sift powdered sugar into the mixture, add ground lavender, vanilla bean paste, and beat on low until combined, then on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy. Add purple food coloring if desired and mix thoroughly.
  14. Prepare Cake Surface: Once completely cooled, trim a thin layer from the top of the cake for better soak absorption. Place the cake on a serving plate and poke holes on top with a wooden stick or honey dipper handle.
  15. Apply Milk Soak: Slowly pour the Earl Grey milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb into the holes, enhancing moisture and flavor.
  16. Frost the Cake: Spread a thick, even layer of lavender cream cheese frosting over the soaked cake using an offset spatula.
  17. Serve: Slice the cake into 16 equal pieces and serve.

Notes

  • Make sure the ground tea and lavender are finely sifted to avoid any coarse bits in the cake and frosting.
  • Room temperature eggs and softened butter help achieve a smooth batter and light texture.
  • Do not overmix once adding flour to keep the cake tender.
  • The milk soak enhances the moistness and flavor, so be patient to allow it to absorb fully.
  • Chilling the frosting slightly can make it easier to spread if it becomes too soft.
  • The optional purple food coloring adds a beautiful lavender hue but can be omitted for a natural look.
  • Use a light metal baking pan for even heat distribution.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 44 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British-inspired

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/london-fog-cake-recipe/