London Fog Cake Recipe

Let me introduce you to the dreamy world of the London Fog Cake, a delightful dessert that marries the floral essence of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender with the comforting richness of cream cheese frosting. This cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its soft purple hue. Whether you’re a lover of tea or just on the lookout for something uniquely elegant, the London Fog Cake promises a delicate balance of flavors and textures that will make any gathering instantly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this stunning London Fog Cake comes down to a handful of really approachable ingredients, each playing a crucial role to build flavor, texture, and that signature aromatic charm. Nothing too fancy, just thoughtfully selected staples and a few special touches that bring it all together.

• Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp): This is the star, delivering that fragrant bergamot aroma that defines the cake’s unique flavor.
• Culinary lavender (1 tbsp): Adds a soft, floral hint that complements the tea beautifully without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for your cake’s light, tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Works alongside baking powder for a balanced rise.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Unsalted butter, softened (10 tbsp + 1 cup): Contributes richness and moisture, essential for both the cake and frosting.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping with the tender texture.
• Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add structure while keeping the cake moist.
• Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp + 1 tsp): Gives an intense vanilla note that lifts the tea and lavender.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Provides acidity for a tender crumb and balances the flavors.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup + for steeping): The base for infusing Earl Grey in the soak.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a creamy texture to the soak.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): The secret to a luxuriously creamy frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Purple food coloring (optional): Gives your frosting a gorgeous lavender tint that makes this cake visually stunning.

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan, then line it with parchment paper — this ensures your cake will release easily once baked. Grinding the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender to a fine powder helps release their flavors, so pulsing them in a food processor and then sifting out any large bits sets the stage for a balanced, fragrant crumb.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, your finely ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, then set this dry mixture aside. This mix provides the structure and flavor foundation of your cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step traps air, giving your cake a beautifully tender texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla bean paste at medium speed. This will create a smooth, pale batter full of promise.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the buttermilk and the dry flour mixture to the butter-egg mixture. Do this gradually on low speed, ensuring everything comes together without overmixing — which keeps the cake moist and tender. Scrape the sides of your bowl as you go so no flour remains hidden.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 38-44 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool it in the pan for 30 minutes before gently lifting it out using the parchment paper to finish cooling completely on a rack.

Step 7: Make the Earl Grey Milk Soak

While the cake cools, heat the whole milk until steaming, then steep the extra Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes. Strain out the solids and stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. Let this luxurious soak cool — it’s what keeps every bite perfectly moist and flavorful.

Step 8: Prepare the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Pulse the culinary lavender until finely ground then sift it. Beat the softened butter on high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the cold cream cheese and continue beating until light and airy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lavender, vanilla bean paste, and purple food coloring if using, mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Assemble Your London Fog Cake

Trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake so it will better absorb the soak. Poke small holes throughout the surface with a wooden spoon handle or honey dipper handle. Slowly pour the Earl Grey milk soak over the cake — patience is key for full absorption. Finish by spreading a thick layer of your lavender cream cheese frosting all over the top. Slice into 16 squares and prepare to be amazed.

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Garnishes

To complement the floral notes, sprinkle a few fresh lavender sprigs or a light dusting of edible dried lavender petals over the top of your frosted London Fog Cake. A few twists of lemon zest can add a bright contrast if you like a bit of zing alongside the creamy sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines next to a cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey tea, creating a harmonious flavor echo. For a twist, serve with a light fruit salad featuring berries or citrus slices to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, cut the cake into petite squares and place each on delicate doilies for an elegant tea party feel. Layering thin slices with frosting in between can transform it into a beautiful layered cake. A drizzle of honey or lavender syrup over the top adds a glossy finish and extra floral indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover London Fog Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. Properly wrapped, it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. Leaving it out isn’t recommended because of the cream cheese frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake before frosting by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil, keeping it fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

This cake is usually enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, briefly microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the frosting entirely — you want to soften the cake without losing the luscious texture of the cream cheese topping.

FAQs

What does a London Fog Cake taste like?

The London Fog Cake offers a delicate balance of bergamot citrus from the Earl Grey tea, subtle floral notes from lavender, and a creamy tang from the cream cheese frosting. It’s both fragrant and comforting with layers of nuanced flavor that feel both familiar and elegant.

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

While you can substitute regular black tea, the signature bergamot flavor in Earl Grey is what makes the London Fog Cake truly special. Using plain black tea will result in a different flavor profile, less aromatic and without the distinctive citrusy note.

Is the lavender flavor strong in this cake?

The culinary lavender is used thoughtfully to provide a gentle floral hint, not an overpowering perfume. It harmonizes beautifully with the tea’s bergamot, adding complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

This recipe relies on all-purpose flour for its tender crumb, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that bake similarly. Just be mindful that texture and rise might vary slightly, so adjustments may be needed for the perfect outcome.

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can bake the cake layer a day ahead and keep it wrapped tightly. The soak and frosting are best applied the day you’re serving for peak freshness, but you can prepare the soak and frosting a day ahead as well and refrigerate them separately.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cake that’s elegant yet effortlessly magical, the London Fog Cake is your new best friend. Its delicate flavors, moist crumb, and creamy lavender frosting come together to create a memorable dessert experience. I can’t wait for you to try making it and enjoy the little spark of joy it brings to your table—trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Print