Indulge in the captivating blend of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender with the London Fog Cake. This elegant dessert pays homage to the beloved London Fog tea latte, transporting your taste buds to a cozy café in the heart of the city. With its delicate floral notes and rich, creamy frosting, the London Fog Cake is a masterful creation that’s perfect for any occasion – from birthdays and tea parties to intimate gatherings with friends.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Ultimate London Fog Cake
To craft this delightful cake, you’ll need a carefully curated list of ingredients that come together to create the signature London Fog flavor profile. Let’s dive into the essentials:
- 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 (for the soak)
- 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender (for the soak)
- 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk (for the soak)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (for the soak)
- 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender (for the frosting)
- 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened (for the frosting)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold (for the frosting)
- 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar (for the frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (for the frosting)
- purple food coloring (optional, for the frosting)
While the core ingredients are essential, you can also experiment with variations, such as using different types of tea or incorporating additional lavender-infused elements.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking London Fog Cake
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this captivating London Fog Cake:
Prepping Your Baking Environment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans, ensuring a smooth release for your freshly baked layers.
Infusing the Butter
Begin by mixing the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender into the softened butter. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then strain it if needed to remove any larger tea or lavender pieces.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of the dry components.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla bean paste.
Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and whole milk. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the infused butter until just combined.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before proceeding with the next steps.</
Preparing the Soak
In a small bowl, combine the additional Earl Grey tea, culinary lavender, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla paste. Generously brush this soak over the cooled cake layers, ensuring each layer is thoroughly soaked.
Making the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla paste, culinary lavender, and optional purple food coloring, and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
Stack the soaked cake layers, then frost the entire cake with the lavender cream cheese frosting. Decorate the cake as desired, showcasing the elegant London Fog theme.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your London Fog Cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough cake. Gently fold in the ingredients until just combined.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake during the baking process to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
- Store Properly: Once assembled, store the London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent the cake from drying out.
Serving and Enjoying Your London Fog Cake
To truly savor the essence of a London Fog Cake, pair it with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a rich, creamy coffee. The floral notes of the lavender and the depth of the Earl Grey tea create a harmonious balance that pairs beautifully with these warm beverages.
For a visually stunning presentation, consider garnishing the cake with fresh edible flowers, such as lavender or rose petals, to enhance the elegant aesthetic. The cake can be served on its own or accompanied by a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
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FAQs About London Fog Cake
What flavors make up a London Fog Cake?
A London Fog Cake is characterized by the flavors of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender. The cake itself features the robust, bergamot-infused notes of Earl Grey, while the frosting and soak incorporate the delicate, floral essence of lavender.
Can I make London Fog Cake dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free or vegan version of the London Fog Cake, you can substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut oil or vegan cream cheese. Additionally, you can use non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, in place of the buttermilk and whole milk.
How do I get the Earl Grey flavor to stand out in the cake?
To really amplify the Earl Grey flavor in the cake, you can infuse the butter with an even larger amount of Earl Grey tea leaves, allowing the tea to steep for a more extended period. You can also consider adding a touch of Earl Grey tea powder or extract directly to the batter for a more pronounced tea essence.
How should London Fog Cake be stored to stay fresh?
For optimal freshness, it’s best to store the London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the cake from drying out and maintain the delicate flavors. When ready to serve, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to fully enjoy its moist and flavorful texture.
Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!
PrintDiscover the Irresistible London Fog Cake Recipe Today!
Indulge in the captivating blend of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender with the London Fog Cake. This elegant dessert pays homage to the beloved London Fog tea latte, transporting your taste buds to a cozy café in the heart of the city. With its delicate floral notes and rich, creamy frosting, the London Fog Cake is a masterful creation that’s perfect for any occasion – from birthdays and tea parties to intimate gatherings with friends.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Earl Grey tea
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoon Earl Grey tea (for the soak)
- 1/2 tablespoon culinary lavender (for the soak)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (for the soak)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (for the soak)
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender (for the frosting)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the frosting)
- 8 ounce cream cheese, cold (for the frosting)
- 2 cup powdered sugar (for the frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (for the frosting)
- purple food coloring (optional, for the frosting)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour your cake pans, ensuring a smooth release for your freshly baked layers.
2. Begin by mixing the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender into the softened butter. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then strain it if needed to remove any larger tea or lavender pieces.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of the dry components.
4. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla bean paste.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and whole milk. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the infused butter until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before proceeding with the next steps.
7. In a small bowl, combine the additional Earl Grey tea, culinary lavender, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla paste. Generously brush this soak over the cooled cake layers, ensuring each layer is thoroughly soaked.
8. In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla paste, culinary lavender, and optional purple food coloring, and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
9. Stack the soaked cake layers, then frost the entire cake with the lavender cream cheese frosting. Decorate the cake as desired, showcasing the elegant London Fog theme.
Notes
To ensure your London Fog Cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, tough cake. Gently fold in the ingredients until just combined.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake during the baking process to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
Store Properly: Once assembled, store the London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent the cake from drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: London Fog Cake, Earl Grey Cake, Lavender Cake