Name: Savor Every Bite of This Irresistible London Fog Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 44 min
Total time: 84 min
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons Earl Grey Tea (Use loose leaf or tea bags.); 2 tablespoons Culinary Lavender (Ensure it's culinary-grade.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Measure using a scale for accuracy.); 1 tablespoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened.); 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar (You can reduce if preferred.); 3 large Eggs (Room temperature.); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste (Can substitute with extract.); 1 cup Buttermilk (Can make using milk and lemon juice.); 1/2 cup Whole Milk (For the milk soak.); 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (For soaking.); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Cold.); 4 cups Powdered Sugar; a few drops Purple Food Coloring (Optional.)

As I pulled the warm, fragrant London Fog Cake from the oven, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the gentle wafts of Earl Grey tea and delicate lavender swirling around my kitchen. This enchanting cake, with its moist crumb and silky lavender cream cheese frosting, is an experience rather than just a dessert. Not only is this cake a stunning centerpiece for any celebration, but it’s also an indulgent twist on classic flavors, perfect for those cozy gatherings over tea. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, ensuring that anyone can impress friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen. Are you ready to dive into this floral symphony and elevate your baking game?

Why is London Fog Cake so Special?

Unique Flavor Profile: The infusion of Earl Grey tea and floral lavender offers a delightful twist, intriguing any dessert lover.
Whimsical Presentation: A sprinkle of purple food coloring elevates the cake’s visual appeal, making it a showstopper at gatherings.
Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for a tea party or a classy wedding, this cake suits any occasion!
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, impressing guests with stunning homemade desserts has never been easier—just like my Peach Cake Brown or Swirl Bundt Cake.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This cake’s deliciously soft crumb and creamy frosting will have everyone reaching for seconds!

London Fog Cake Ingredients

• Get ready to bake this tea-infused delight!

For the Cake

Earl Grey Tea – Provides that distinct tea flavor; can swap with tea bags if loose leaf is unavailable.
Culinary Lavender – Adds beautiful floral notes; ensure you use culinary-grade lavender for best results.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the cake structure; measure using a scale for accuracy, or substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a light cake texture.
Baking Soda – Works with the buttermilk’s acid for extra lift.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; make sure it’s softened before mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; feel free to use less if preferred.
Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for best incorporation.
Vanilla Bean Paste – Offers a stronger flavor than vanilla extract; can easily substitute with extract if needed.
Buttermilk – Contributes tang and moisture; can be made with milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
Whole Milk – Forms the base of the milk soak; feel free to use any milk preference.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Essential for adding sweetness and moisture during soaking.

For the Frosting

Cream Cheese – The base for frosting; keep it cold to ensure it blends well.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a creamy texture.
Purple Food Coloring – Optional but adds a lovely touch for visual appeal.

This London Fog Cake is not just a dessert—it’s an experience that will delight your taste buds!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for London Fog Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring that the edges hang over for easy removal later. This step will ensure your London Fog Cake bakes evenly and releases without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Tea and Lavender
Using a food processor, finely grind the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender together until they form a powdery consistency. Sift the mixture to remove any larger bits, leaving you with a delicate blend that will infuse your cake with wonderful floral notes. This fragrant combination forms the heart of the cake’s flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground tea and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution and to aerate the flour, setting the foundation for your light and airy London Fog Cake.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste, mixing well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Begin incorporating the dry mixture into the wet ingredients by alternating with the buttermilk. Start with one-third of the dry mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk, and repeat until all ingredients are nicely blended into a smooth batter. This meticulous folding helps maintain the fluffiness desired in the London Fog Cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into your lined baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake and ensure it doesn’t brown too much on top; a gentle golden hue is perfect for a light texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Milk Soak
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While the cake cools, heat the whole milk in a small saucepan. Add the Earl Grey tea and lavender for steeping; once it cools, mix in the sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the soak’s flavor.

Step 8: Make the Frosting
To prepare the frosting, begin by creaming the cold cream cheese with softened butter until well combined and smooth. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while mixing, then add the lavender and a few drops of purple food coloring if desired. Mix until the frosting reaches a fluffy and creamy consistency, perfect for spreading.

Step 9: Soak the Cake
Once your London Fog Cake is completely cooled, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Carefully pour the Earl Grey milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb the mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that moist, flavorful texture that makes this cake so delightful.

Step 10: Frost and Serve
After the cake has absorbed the soak, generously spread the lavender cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice into 16 pieces for serving and let the beautiful layers and flavors of your London Fog Cake shine. This delicious dessert is now ready to impress your guests or elevate your tea time!

London Fog Cake Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to spark your creativity and make this delightful cake uniquely yours with these fun twists!

Chai Tea: Swap Earl Grey for chai tea to infuse warming spices and a delightful kick.
Citrus Zest: Brighten the flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to either the batter or frosting for a refreshing twist. This will enliven the cake and bring out the floral notes beautifully.
Two-Layer Cake: Double the recipe to create a stunning two-layer cake, adding a luscious layer of frosting between the cakes for extra appeal.
Honey Sweetener: For a floral sweetness, replace some of the granulated sugar with honey; just reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese to make a delightful dairy-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of the frosted cake to create a beautiful contrast of flavors.
Lavender-Infused Cream: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a lavender-infused whipped cream, giving it a light and airy finish that dances on the palate.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter for added texture and nutty flavor. This complements the cake beautifully and adds an inviting crunch.
Maple Flavor: Add a touch of maple syrup instead of vanilla in the frosting for an earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the floral elements of the cake.

Explore these variations and see where your culinary imagination takes you—like I did when I created this enchanting dessert inspired by my love for cozy gatherings and the comfort of homemade treats. If you’re looking for more delicious ideas, don’t miss out on my Gingerbread Pudding Cake or the indulgent Espresso Cheesecake Decadent. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These decadent London Fog Cake components are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance, letting it cool completely before covering it tightly to maintain its moisture. Additionally, prepare the lavender cream cheese frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just give it a quick whisk before spreading it on the cake to bring back that lovely creamy texture. For the milk soak, mix it the night before and store it in the fridge to meld those delightful flavors, making it super easy to finish the cake right before serving. By prepping these elements ahead, you’ll have a stunning dessert with minimal effort needed when it’s time to present your irresistible London Fog Cake!

What to Serve with Divine London Fog Cake?

The enchanting layers of this cake deserve delightful companions that enhance its delicate flavors and elevate your dining experience.

Earl Grey Tea: This classic pairing deepens the tea-infused elements of the cake, making each sip a seamless extension of the cake’s delightful notes.
Lavender Lemonade: A refreshing twist, this citrus-based drink complements the floral aspects of the cake while adding a zesty touch to your palate.
Classic Scones: Their buttery texture and simplicity provide a beautiful contrast to the moist cake, making for a lovely accompaniment at tea time.
Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and refreshing, these sandwiches offer a crisp crunch that balances the cake’s sweetness, perfect for an afternoon tea setting.
Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries can provide a tart contrast and burst of color, enhancing both presentation and taste.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds extra creaminess, ensuring each bite of cake is luxuriously satisfying.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm cake paired with cool vanilla ice cream brings a delightful temperature contrast, making for a comforting dessert combo.
Sparkling Water: A bubbly drink keeps the palate refreshed, making it an excellent choice to cleanse between bites of the rich cake.
Dark Chocolate Truffles: The richness of dark chocolate elegantly contrasts with the cake’s flavors, creating a decadent dessert experience.

Storage Tips for London Fog Cake

Fridge: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy a warm slice, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This ensures the cake retains its delightful moisture.

Frosting Storage: Prepare frosting in advance and keep it in the fridge for several days. Give it a quick whisk before applying it to your London Fog Cake to revive its fluffy texture.

Tips for the Best London Fog Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy texture, ensuring a perfectly moist London Fog Cake.
Weigh Your Flour: To avoid a dense cake, always measure your flour using a kitchen scale. Too much flour can lead to an undesired dry texture.
Choose the Right Pan: Opt for a light-colored metal pan; it promotes even baking, preventing the cake from browning too quickly.
Gluten-Free Option: If using gluten-free flour, choose a high-quality blend to maintain the cake’s lightness; not all gluten-free flours yield the same results.
Patience with Soak: Allow the cake enough time to absorb the milk soak fully. An impatient pour can result in a less flavorful cake—give it the time it deserves!
Storage Wisely: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its best flavor and texture.

London Fog Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right Earl Grey tea for the cake?
Absolutely! When choosing Earl Grey tea, look for a high-quality brand that has a rich bergamot aroma. Loose leaf tea works best, as you’ll be able to grind it finely for even flavor distribution. If you only have tea bags, that’s perfectly fine too; just ensure they contain whole natural leaves, not just dust or ground bits, for the best taste.

How should I store the London Fog Cake?
You can store your London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor. If you have leftover frosting, it can be kept in the refrigerator as well, and just give it a quick whisk before using it on the cake!

Can I freeze the London Fog Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your London Fog Cake, first, let it cool completely. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

What if my cake turns out dense or dry?
Very! If your London Fog Cake ends up dense, it might be due to over-measuring the flour, which is why I always recommend weighing it for accuracy. If it’s dry, try adding a bit of milk to the batter next time or ensure that you soak the cake thoroughly with the milk soak. Also, remember to check for doneness a few minutes early, as ovens can vary!

Are there any dietary considerations for this cake regarding allergies?
Of course! This cake contains gluten due to all-purpose flour, but you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, it contains dairy, so for those who are lactose intolerant, consider using dairy-free cream cheese and substituting buttermilk with a plant-based alternative. Always check ingredient labels to avoid any allergens.

What kind of culinary lavender should I use?
I recommend using culinary-grade lavender, which is safe for consumption and adds a lovely flavor. Avoid using decorative lavender used in sachets or for baths, as they may have been treated with chemicals. You can often find culinary lavender at specialty food stores or online!