London Fog Cake Recipe

If you’ve fallen for the dreamy flavor of a London Fog latte, you are in for a real treat: the London Fog Cake takes everything you love—fragrant Earl Grey, creamy vanilla, and a kiss of lavender—and transforms it into an unforgettable dessert. It’s soft, aromatic, and decadently creamy, all in one slice. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a milestone, or simply craving a little cozy cafe magic at home, this cake will sweep you off your feet and leave your guests coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the London Fog Cake is that it uses a handful of simple, real ingredients that unite to create its delicious signature. Each one brings something truly special, from the floral hint of culinary lavender to the robust, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea and the rich creaminess of buttermilk and dreamy frosting.

• Earl Grey tea: Go for loose-leaf if possible; this gives the cake its iconic bergamot flavor.
• Culinary lavender: Adds a gentle floral lift and pairs perfectly with Earl Grey’s citrusy notes.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for consistent, fluffy cake texture.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo that ensures a light, airy crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Keep it softened for a creamy, rich base in both the cake and the frosting.
• Granulated white sugar: Sweetness that lets the tea and lavender really shine through.
• Eggs (at room temperature): Crucial for a fine, tender cake that rises beautifully.
• Vanilla bean paste: Delivers flecks of real vanilla and a lovely aromatic depth.
• Buttermilk: Makes the cake moist and adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
• Whole milk: Used for the milk soak, infusing extra flavor and moisture.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and keeps the cake tender after soaking.
• Cream cheese (cold): For that classic tang in the frosting, cutting sweetness and adding body.
• Powdered sugar: Subtle sweetness and the base for a fluffy frosting.
• Purple food coloring (optional): Just a hint turns the frosting into a showstopping lavender hue.

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Set yourself up for success with a well-prepped pan—nothing should stick! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan, and line it with parchment paper so you can lift out your London Fog Cake effortlessly.

Step 2: Flavor Boost! Grind Tea and Lavender

Add the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. This step ensures every bite of cake is evenly infused with tea and floral notes. Sift the mixture to remove any big pieces for a smooth batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground Earl Grey and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the aromatic, flavorful backbone of your London Fog Cake.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on high for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets and ensures a tender crumb.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs and vanilla bean paste on medium speed until the batter turns pale and smooth—it should almost look creamy, which means it’s full of trapped air for rise and texture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the buttermilk and your dry ingredient mix gradually, blending on low just until everything comes together. Scrape the bowl to make sure every bit is mixed, but don’t overmix—the cake will stay light and fluffy this way.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake in the center of the oven for 38–44 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready. Cool the cake in the pan for 30 minutes, then lift from the pan, and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Infuse with Earl Grey Milk Soak

While your cake cools, steep the milk with Earl Grey and lavender. Heat until steaming, steep for 15 minutes, then strain and mix in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla for the ultimate flavor soak.

Step 9: Prepare Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Grind the lavender again, then whip up your softened butter until pale and super fluffy. Beat in the cream cheese, then the powdered sugar, ground lavender, and vanilla. Add a dash of purple food coloring if you like. Whip until pillowy!

Step 10: Assemble and Frost

Cut a thin layer off the cake’s top to help absorb the milk soak. Poke holes all over with a wooden stick. Very slowly pour the milk mixture over—let it gently soak in. Slather on your luscious lavender cream cheese frosting, cut into generous slices, and savor that first magical bite!

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Garnishes

Bring your London Fog Cake to the next level with a sprinkle of dried edible lavender buds, a dusting of purple sanding sugar, or a few thinly sliced candied citrus pieces. Even a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or a pinch of finely ground Earl Grey on top will amplify that lovely flavor theme.

Side Dishes

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but pairs beautifully with a little whipped cream, fresh berries (blueberries or strawberries are perfect), or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re serving in winter, a steaming mug of London Fog latte completely completes the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your London Fog Cake by cutting it into elegant cubes for afternoon tea, layering it in glasses with extra cream cheese frosting and berries for a trifle, or baking it as cupcakes for a party. Finish each piece with an edible flower or a twist of lemon zest for maximum wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slice any leftover London Fog Cake and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Thanks to the milk soak and cream cheese frosting, this cake stays moist for up to four days. Just bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (frosted or unfrosted) for longer storage. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let come to room temperature before enjoying again.

Reheating

If you adore soft, just-baked cake, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This revives that lovely, pillowy crumb and brings the creamy frosting back to perfection. Do this only with unfrosted cake if you prefer the frosting to stay cool and set.

FAQs

Can I use regular black tea instead of Earl Grey?

You can, but you’ll lose that unique citrus-bergamot magic that makes London Fog Cake so special. Earl Grey is truly the key to its classic flavor profile!

Is the lavender flavor overwhelming?

Not at all! When measured carefully, the lavender is delicate and aromatic, never soapy or overpowering. Culinary lavender is a must—don’t substitute with something not designated for food.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes—just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. The cake will still be moist thanks to the milk soak and cream cheese frosting.

Do I have to use purple food coloring in the frosting?

No, the food coloring is just for a fun pop of color! The flavor and texture remain the same if you’d rather keep it au naturel.

What’s the best way to get a strong Earl Grey flavor?

Grind the tea leaves finely and don’t skimp! Infusing both the cake and milk soak with Earl Grey ensures the London Fog Cake lives up to its name and delivers a true taste of that cozy latte experience.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cake truly brings together everything that’s cozy, elegant, and delightfully unique about the beloved tea latte. It’s a gorgeous centerpiece, but so easy to love (and make!) at home. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself creating new tea-time traditions with every beautiful slice.

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