Wonderful London Fog Cake: Your New Favorite

Oh, hello there, friend! I am so thrilled you’ve stopped by The Savory Script today. I have such a treat for you, a recipe that brings all the cozy comfort of a beloved cafe drink right into your kitchen. Imagine a warm hug in cake form; that’s exactly what my London Fog Cake is.

This elegant dessert captures the delicate blend of aromatic Earl Grey tea, creamy vanilla, and a whisper of lavender, making for a truly special experience. Trust me, it’s far easier to bake than it looks, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and promises to be a showstopper!

Jessica

Wonderful London Fog Cake: Your New Favorite

Imagine a warm hug in cake form; that’s exactly what this London Fog Cake is. This elegant dessert captures the delicate blend of aromatic Earl Grey tea, creamy vanilla, and a whisper of lavender, making for a truly special experience that’s easier to bake than it looks.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 16 slices

Course: Dessert

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

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For the Earl Grey Cake

• 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea (12 g)
• 1 tbsp culinary lavender (2 g)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (282 g), spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter (140 g), softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar (300 g)
• 3 eggs at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak

• 1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml)
• 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea (8 g)
• 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender (1 g)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (150 g)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 tbsp culinary lavender (2 g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (224 g), softened
• 8 oz cream cheese (226 g), cold
• 2 cups powdered sugar (260 g)
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• purple food coloring (optional)

Equipment

• Food processor
• sieve
• electric mixer
• rubber spatula
• 9×9 inch light metal baking pan
• parchment paper
• medium bowl
• Large Bowl
• wire rack
• small sauce pan
• liquid measuring cup
• sharp knife
• wooden stick or wooden spoon handle
• Offset spatula
• airtight cake carrier or cake dome

Method

 

For the Earl Grey Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Add the Earl Grey tea and lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to separate any large bits.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then set aside the flour mixture.
4. Add the softened butter and granulated white sugar to a large bowl. Cream together for 2 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed.
5. Then add in the eggs and vanilla and mix on medium speed until pale in color and smooth, about 1 minute.
6. Add in the buttermilk and dry ingredients a little bit at a time, mixing on low speed until all is combined and the batter is smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then pull up on the parchment paper to release it from the pan. Let the cake continue cooling on the cooling rack until completely cooled.

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak

1. While the cake cools, work on the Earl Grey milk soak. Add the milk to a small sauce pan and heat over low heat until steaming, then add in the Earl Grey tea and lavender. Allow it to steep for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat. Pass the mixture through a sieve and allow the milk to cool.
2. Transfer the Earl Grey milk to a liquid measuring cup or something you can easily pour from. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set aside until ready to use.

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Add the lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to separate any large bits.
2. Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and mix on high speed with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. Then add in the cream cheese and mix on high speed until fluffy, about 1 minute.
4. Sift in the powdered sugar, and add in the lavender and vanilla. Mix on low speed until combined, then on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy again. Add in purple food coloring and mix until combined.

Assembling the Cake

1. When the cake is completely cooled, cut a very thin layer off the top of the cake using a sharp knife. This will make it easier for the Earl Grey milk to absorb into the cake. Transfer it to a serving plate. Poke holes on the top of the cake using a wooden stick or the handle of a wooden spoon.(I used the handle of a honey dipper for smaller holes.)
2. Slowly pour the Earl Grey milk mixture on top of the cake. It is thin so it should absorb into the cake and the poked holes easily, but do be patient as it does.
3. Frost the top of the cake with a thick layer of lavender cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula. Then cut into 16 slices and serve!

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What is a London Fog (and Why it Makes a Heavenly Cake!)

A London Fog is one of my absolute favorite cafe drinks, a dreamy Earl Grey tea latte enhanced with a touch of vanilla syrup and often, a hint of fragrant lavender. It’s warm, comforting, and exquisitely balanced. Now, imagine all those wonderful flavors translated into a beautiful dessert, and you have my London Fog Cake. This cake is its sweet, delectable equivalent.

The star of the show is, of course, the Earl Grey tea, which brings its distinctive citrusy bergamot notes. This marries perfectly with sweet vanilla, while the delicate floral touch of lavender elevates the entire experience. These flavors aren’t just for sipping; they make for an incredibly sophisticated and utterly delicious cake.

Why This London Fog Cake Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

I know there are many delicious dessert recipes out there, but this London Fog Cake recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I think it will in yours too! I’ve worked hard to ensure it delivers on all fronts. Here’s why I believe you’ll adore it:

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: I’ve carefully measured the Earl Grey and lavender to ensure a harmonious blend. You get the distinct bergamot and floral notes without either being overpowering, creating a truly sophisticated taste.
• Incredibly Moist Crumb: My recipe includes a special Earl Grey milk soak that infuses the cake with an amazing, melt-in-your-mouth moistness. It’s truly a game-changer for texture and depth of flavor.
• Dreamy Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting: This cake is crowned with a fluffy, tangy, and subtly sweet lavender cream cheese frosting. It perfectly complements the cake, adding a creamy texture and an extra layer of floral delight.
• Elegant Yet Approachable: While this cake looks incredibly chic and impressive, I promise you it’s designed to be straightforward to make. It offers that “wow” factor without requiring complicated techniques, making it perfect for any occasion.

The Savory Script’s London Fog Cake: Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking something wonderful. Here is everything you will need for this delightful London Fog Cake. I always recommend using high-quality ingredients for the best results!

For the Earl Grey Cake:

• 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

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsp (8 g) Earl Grey tea
• 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender
• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• purple food coloring (optional)

How to Bake the Best London Fog Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking this London Fog Cake is a truly enjoyable process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning cake ready to impress. I’ve broken it down to make it as easy as possible!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Add the Earl Grey tea and lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to separate any large bits.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then set aside the flour mixture.
4. Add the softened butter and granulated white sugar to a large bowl. Cream together for 2 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed.
5. Then add in the eggs and vanilla and mix on medium speed until pale in color and smooth, about 1 minute.
6. Add in the buttermilk and dry ingredients a little bit at a time, mixing on low speed until all is combined and the batter is smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then pull up on the parchment paper to release it from the pan. Let the cake continue cooling on the cooling rack until completely cooled.
9. While the cake cools, work on the Earl Grey milk soak. Add the milk to a small sauce pan and heat over low heat until steaming, then add in the Earl Grey tea and lavender. Allow it to steep for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat. Pass the mixture through a sieve and allow the milk to cool.
10. Transfer the Earl Grey milk to a liquid measuring cup or something you can easily pour from. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set aside until ready to use.
11. Add the lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to separate any large bits.
12. Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and mix on high speed with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
13. Then add in the cream cheese and mix on high speed until fluffy, about 1 minute.
14. Sift in the powdered sugar, and add in the lavender and vanilla. Mix on low speed until combined, then on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy again. Add in purple food coloring and mix until combined.
15. When the cake is completely cooled, cut a very thin layer off the top of the cake using a sharp knife. This will make it easier for the Earl Grey milk to absorb into the cake. Transfer it to a serving plate. Poke holes on the top of the cake using a wooden stick or the handle of a wooden spoon.(I used the handle of a honey dipper for smaller holes.)
16. Slowly pour the Earl Grey milk mixture on top of the cake. It is thin so it should absorb into the cake and the poked holes easily, but do be patient as it does.
17. Frost the top of the cake with a thick layer of lavender cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula. Then cut into 16 slices and serve!

Jessy’s Expert Tips for a Flawless London Fog Cake

I want you to have the absolute best experience baking this cake, so I’ve put together some of my top tips. These little insights can make all the difference in achieving a truly flawless London Fog Cake.

Maximizing Earl Grey and Lavender Flavor

To get that beautiful, balanced flavor, it’s all about proper infusion. For the cake batter, I pulse the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender in a food processor until very finely ground. This helps to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the cake and ensures you get that lovely aroma in every bite. Passing it through a sieve after grinding helps to remove any larger, less pleasant bits.

For the milk soak, steeping the tea and lavender in warm milk for 15 minutes allows their essences to fully bloom without becoming bitter. Always use high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea if you can, as it generally offers a more robust and nuanced flavor than tea bags. For lavender, always make sure it’s “culinary” grade, which means it’s safe for consumption and free from pesticides.

Achieving a Perfectly Moist and Tender Cake Crumb

Several factors contribute to a wonderfully moist and tender cake. First, always make sure your cold ingredients, like butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, incorporating air and creating a smoother batter. When I cream the butter and sugar, I beat them on high speed until light and fluffy, which is crucial for the cake’s texture.

When adding the wet and dry ingredients, mix on low speed just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cake. The buttermilk in this recipe is a magic ingredient; its acidity reacts with the baking soda, contributing to a tender crumb and incredible moistness.

The Magic of the Earl Grey Milk Soak

This London Fog Cake isn’t just good; it’s exceptionally moist, and I owe a lot of that to the Earl Grey milk soak. While many cakes are delicious on their own, a milk soak takes things to the next level, much like a tres leches cake. It infuses even more of that delicate tea flavor and keeps the cake incredibly tender and moist for days.

The trick is patience. After poking holes in the cooled cake, slowly pour the milk mixture over the top. It takes a little time for the cake to fully absorb all that liquid, but it’s well worth the wait. This step deepens the tea flavor and creates an almost custard-like texture that is simply irresistible.

Decorating Your London Fog Cake with Elegance

While a thick layer of frosting is delicious, a few simple touches can really elevate your London Fog Cake. To achieve a smooth frosting layer, I use an offset spatula to spread it evenly over the top. For a little flair, I often create gentle swirls with the back of a spoon or the tip of my spatula.

For garnishes, a light sprinkle of edible dried lavender petals instantly adds a touch of beauty and reinforces the flavor profile. You could also try a dusting of finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves for a contrasting color and aroma. Fresh edible flowers or even a few thin strips of candied bergamot peel would also make a stunning presentation.

London Fog Cake Variations & Customizations

One of the joys of baking is making a recipe your own, and this London Fog Cake is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some ideas for how you can customize it to your liking, from different frosting styles to exploring no-bake dessert options for other occasions.

• Frosting Finesse: I adore the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting on this cake, as it provides a beautiful balance to the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter, more stable frosting that holds intricate piping patterns better, a classic vanilla buttercream could be a lovely alternative. Both options complement the delicate tea flavors beautifully.
• The Role of Lavender: While lavender is a signature component of a London Fog, I know it’s not for everyone. You can absolutely adjust the amount of culinary lavender in the recipe to your preference, or even omit it entirely for a pure Earl Grey and vanilla cake. Remember, a little goes a long way with lavender, so start small!
• Optional Additions: To further enhance the cake’s flavor, I sometimes add a hint of freshly grated lemon zest to the batter or frosting; it really brightens the bergamot notes. A light drizzle of honey over the frosted cake before serving can also add a touch of natural sweetness and shine. Candied bergamot peel, if you can find it, makes a sophisticated garnish.
• Adapting for Different Cake Formats: This versatile recipe can be adapted for other pan sizes! Here’s a quick guide for estimated baking times:

• Dairy-Free/Vegan Options: For those with dietary restrictions, you can adapt this recipe by using plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and dairy-free unsalted butter substitutes. Many brands now offer excellent vegan cream cheese alternatives that would work wonderfully in the frosting.

Troubleshooting Common London Fog Cake Issues

Baking is a learning process, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you troubleshoot common issues with your London Fog Cake!

• Cake is Dense or Dry: If your cake turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten. A dry cake might be from overbaking; ensure you test for doneness with a toothpick that comes out clean, but not overly dry. Also, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to incorporate enough air.
• Weak Tea Flavor: To enhance the Earl Grey infusion, make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality loose leaf tea. For the milk soak, allowing it to steep for the full 15 minutes is crucial. Also, ensure you grind the tea and lavender finely for the cake batter to maximize flavor distribution.
• Frosting Too Sweet or Too Thin: If your frosting is too sweet, you can add a tiny pinch more salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. If it’s too thin, sift in a tablespoon or two more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure your cream cheese is cold when you start mixing.
• Lavender is Overpowering: Lavender can be quite potent! If you find it too strong, next time reduce the amount of culinary lavender used in both the cake and the frosting. Remember, a little often goes a long way to achieve that delicate floral note.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Your London Fog Cake

This London Fog Cake is exquisite on its own, but I love thinking about how to make the experience even more special. Here are some of my favorite serving and pairing suggestions.

I typically serve this cake with a simple cup of tea; another brew of Earl Grey really complements its flavors, or a simple black tea allows the cake’s nuances to shine. For coffee lovers, a light roast coffee would be a delightful pairing. I also enjoy serving it with a small bowl of fresh berries or a light pear or apple compote on the side, as the fruitiness provides a lovely contrast to the cake’s rich flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for London Fog Cake

To help streamline your baking process and keep your cake fresh, I have some handy make-ahead and storage tips for you.

You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The Earl Grey milk soak can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lavender cream cheese frosting can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whip with your electric mixer to fluff it up again before frosting the cake.

Once assembled and frosted, I store the London Fog Cake in an airtight cake carrier or under a cake dome at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warm climate or want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, bringing it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs About London Fog Cake

I get a lot of wonderful questions from you all, so I’ve put together some answers to common queries about this London Fog Cake.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’re feeling inspired to bake this exquisite London Fog Cake! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a little piece of comfort and elegance that I know you’ll cherish. The blend of fragrant Earl Grey, delicate lavender, and creamy vanilla is simply irresistible, and I promise you’ll be so proud to share it.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below! I love hearing about your baking adventures. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #TheSavoryScript so I can see your beautiful cakes. Is there another comforting recipe you’d love to see on the blog? Let me know! Until next time, happy baking.

With love,

Jessy