London Fog Cake Recipe

I absolutely love making this London Fog Cake Recipe because it brings together the soothing flavors of Earl Grey tea and delicate lavender in such a magical way. Every bite feels like a cozy afternoon tea moment wrapped up in a moist, tender cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s infused with lavender. If you’re a fan of unique tea-inspired desserts or just love cakes that carry a gentle floral note, this one has truly won my heart—and I bet it will win yours too.

Why You’ll Love This London Fog Cake Recipe

What makes this London Fog Cake Recipe stand out to me is the beautifully balanced flavor profile. The subtle bitterness of the Earl Grey tea combined with the sweet, aromatic hint of culinary lavender creates a flavor that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The creamy, slightly tangy frosting adds another dimension that elevates this cake from simply delicious to utterly memorable. Every forkful tastes like the perfect cup of London fog tea transformed into cake form, which I find incredibly satisfying.

Besides the incredible taste, I also appreciate how approachable this recipe is. It’s not complicated or intimidating, but it still feels special enough for celebrations or slightly fancy occasions. I’ve made this cake for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and even casual afternoon treats with friends, and it always impresses. The simple step of soaking the cake with an Earl Grey milk mixture makes the texture wonderfully moist and rich, which is a neat trick anyone can do at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this London Fog Cake Recipe are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one serves an important purpose to build the flavor, texture, or visual appeal of the cake. From fragrant Earl Grey tea and lavender to creamy buttermilk and sweetened condensed milk, the combination ensures that every slice is moist, tender, and fragrant.

• Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp + 2 tbsp): Provides the classic bergamot flavor essential to a London Fog and is used both in the cake and the soak.
• Culinary lavender (1 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Adds a delicate floral aroma and unique flavor that complements the Earl Grey.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the cake’s structure and texture—spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise gently for a soft crumb.
• Baking soda (1/4 tsp): Works with the acid from the buttermilk to add lightness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (10 tbsp + 1 cup): Provides richness and moisture in both the cake and frosting.
• Granulated white sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the tea flavors.
• Eggs (3): Give structure and help create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp + 1 tsp): Adds a warm, sweet depth to both the cake, soak, and frosting.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and tenderness, balancing the sweetness.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Used for the fragrant Earl Grey soak.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Gives richness and a touch of caramelized sweetness to the milk soak.
• Cream cheese (8 oz): Creates the creamy base of the frosting with a slight tang.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreadability.
• Purple food coloring (optional): Adds a pretty lavender hue to make the frosting visually charming.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine 3 tablespoons of Earl Grey tea and 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass the mixture through a sieve to remove any large pieces—this ensures a smooth texture in the cake.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time along with 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste, mixing on medium speed until the batter is smooth and pale in color—about 1 minute.

Step 6: Add the buttermilk and the flour mixture alternately in small batches, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to ensure everything is fully combined into a smooth batter.

Step 7: 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.

Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on the rack.

Step 9: While the cake is cooling, prepare the Earl Grey milk soak. Heat the whole milk until steaming on low heat, then add 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea and 1/2 tablespoon lavender. Let steep for 15 minutes off the heat. Strain the milk to remove solids, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste. Set aside to cool.

Step 10: Make the lavender cream cheese frosting. Process 1 tablespoon lavender in a food processor until finely ground, then sift to remove larger bits. Beat 1 cup softened butter on high speed until pale and fluffy (~5 minutes), then add 8 ounces cold cream cheese and beat until fluffy (~1 minute more).

Step 11: Gradually sift in 2 cups powdered sugar, add the lavender and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and mix on low speed until combined. Finish on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy. If desired, add purple food coloring and mix just until blended.

Step 12: Once completely cooled, trim a thin layer off the top of the cake using a sharp knife. This step helps the soak absorb better. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and poke holes evenly on the top with a wooden spoon handle or similar tool for soaking.

Step 13: Slowly pour the Earl Grey milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully into all those little holes. Be patient—it takes a couple of minutes!

Step 14: Spread a generous thick layer of the lavender cream cheese frosting over the soaked cake using an offset spatula for smoothness. Then slice into 16 portions and serve.

Servings and Timing

This London Fog Cake Recipe makes approximately 16 servings—perfect for a gathering or to have plenty of leftovers for anyone who loves a second slice! The prep time runs about 30 minutes, factoring in mixing and preparing ingredients. Baking time is roughly 40 minutes, depending on oven variations. Cooling time is essential to ensure the cake soaks up the Earl Grey milk properly and for the frosting to spread beautifully; plan for about 1 hour of cooling before assembly and slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at just over 2 hours from start to finish, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

How to Serve This London Fog Cake Recipe

I love serving this cake slightly chilled or at room temperature to allow all those Earl Grey and lavender flavors to shine. When it comes to accompaniments, I find a simple fresh berry salad or a few lemon slices on the side really brighten the experience and complement the floral notes beautifully. A handful of delicate macarons or shortbread cookies also pairs wonderfully with this cake for a full tea-time spread.

For presentation, I like to garnish the cake with a sprinkle of dried edible lavender petals or a few fresh mint leaves atop the frosting for a pretty, fragrant touch. If you’ve used purple food coloring, the cake’s pastel hues make it exceptionally inviting on any dessert table. For beverages, a classic cup of Earl Grey tea naturally echoes the cake’s flavors, but I’m also a big fan of pairing it with a light, floral white wine like a Muscat or even a lavender-infused lemonade for a non-alcoholic option.

This cake shines at a variety of occasions, whether it’s an afternoon with close friends, a special birthday tea party, or a festive holiday brunch where you want to wow guests with something a little more unique. Slicing it into 16 even pieces helps keep the servings modest yet satisfying, so everyone gets to enjoy that tender crumb and creamy frosting without feeling too indulgent.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this London Fog Cake Recipe by swapping ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make it gluten-free—just be sure to include xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it for structure. To make it vegan, try using plant-based butter, a flax or chia egg substitute, and coconut milk instead of dairy. The flavor still shines through beautifully.

If you want to push the flavor boundaries, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cake batter or a touch of honey in the soak to complement the bergamot notes and add a natural sweetness. I’ve also made mini cupcake versions of this cake, baking the batter in lined muffin tins for about 20 minutes at the same temperature—perfect for parties or gifting.

For a more intense lavender flavor, you can increase the amount slightly in the frosting or even infuse the butter with lavender before creaming it. Alternatively, you can skip the purple coloring if you prefer a more natural look. Wherever you take this recipe, it’s a joy to personalize while keeping the spirit of the London Fog intact.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep any leftover London Fog Cake fresh, I store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This preserves the creamy frosting and keeps the cake moist for up to 4 days. If you don’t have a container large enough, tightly wrapping the cake with plastic wrap and then foil works just as well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

This cake freezes nicely, especially if you want to save it for a future occasion. I recommend slicing it first and arranging the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them individually until solid, then transfer the slices into a freezer-safe container or bag. Cake slices can keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, I usually avoid warming it much, as the cream cheese frosting can soften too much. However, if you prefer it warmer, I gently warm a single slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough so it’s not cold but still holds its shape nicely. Avoid microwaving longer or reheating the entire cake in an oven, as that can dry it out or cause the frosting to melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey for this cake?

While regular black tea will impact the flavor, you can substitute it if you prefer a less citrusy profile. Earl Grey’s bergamot is key to the classic London Fog taste, so if you omit it, the cake will lose some of its unique charm but still be delicious. Consider adding a bit of orange or lemon zest to mimic that flavor.

Is culinary lavender safe to eat and can I substitute it with dried lavender from the grocery store?

Yes, culinary lavender is specially grown for cooking and is safe and flavorful to eat. If you only have dried lavender from a grocery store, verify that it’s food grade without pesticides. Regular non-culinary lavender may be too bitter or treated with chemicals, so it’s best to avoid using it in baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight after soaking in the Earl Grey milk. I recommend baking the cake a day ahead, refrigerating it uncovered to let it cool fully, then soaking and frosting it right before serving for the best texture and presentation.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand? Can I substitute something else?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of whole milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled before using it in the recipe. This will still give you the acidity needed for the cake’s tenderness and leavening.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out when soaking with the Earl Grey milk?

Poking small, evenly spaced holes across the cake surface allows the Earl Grey milk soak to penetrate deeply without making the cake soggy. Also, pour the soak slowly and patiently to give the liquid time to absorb. Avoid pouring all at once, or the top might become too wet and collapse.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this delightful London Fog Cake Recipe soon. It’s one of those special treats that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, comforting dessert brimming with unique tea and floral flavors. Making it for friends or family always brings smiles and warm compliments, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite just as much as I do. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor a cup of your favorite tea alongside!

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