London Fog Cake

This perfect London fog cake is a delightful combination of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a cozy British tea time. Infused with the aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea and lavender, this cake is soft, moist, and ideal for various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, afternoon tea, or simply a treat for yourself, the London fog cake stands out with its impressive texture and unique flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft Texture: The cake’s unique soak with Earl Grey lavender milk makes it exceptionally moist and tender.
• Delicate Flavor: Infused with Earl Grey and lavender, this cake provides a refreshing twist that is both elegant and comforting.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a festive gathering or a quiet evening at home, it fits right in.
• Stunning Presentation: Topped with silky lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting, this cake looks as good as it tastes.
• Easy to Make: Despite its fancy flavors and appearance, the recipe is straightforward enough for bakers of all levels.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have all your tools ready. Having the right equipment will ensure your London fog cake turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your batter, leading to a lighter texture in your cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure no ingredient is left behind.

Ingredients

For the 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
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

For the Milk Soak

• 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 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 Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Infuse Milk with Tea

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the whole milk and 2 tablespoons of Earl Grey tea. Heat until warm but not boiling. Let steep for about 15 minutes. Then strain out the tea leaves.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and culinary lavender.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla bean paste.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk until fully combined. Stir in the infused milk from step 2.

Step 7: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Continue following these steps for assembling your London fog cake!

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Serving your London Fog Cake can elevate its delightful flavors and make for a perfect dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of this fragrant and moist cake.

Pair with Tea

• Earl Grey Tea: Complement the cake’s flavors with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, enhancing the tea-infused notes of the cake.
• Herbal Tea: Offer a calming herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to balance the sweetness while providing a soothing experience.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries or blueberries. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy frosting.
• Citrus Segments: Orange or grapefruit segments add a zesty brightness that refreshes the palate alongside the rich cake.

Ice Cream Delight

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream melts nicely over warm cake, adding creaminess and indulgence.
• Lavender Ice Cream: For a unique twist, serve with lavender-infused ice cream to echo the cake’s flavors.

How to Perfect London Fog Cake

To ensure your London Fog Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and other dry ingredients helps aerate them, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for London Fog Cake

Complementing your London Fog Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with the floral notes in the cake, enhancing its flavor profile.
3. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top for an extra layer of creaminess.
4. Chocolate Ganache: A drizzle of rich chocolate ganache offers a decadent contrast to the delicate lavender flavors.
5. Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio topping adds texture and pairs nicely with the soft cake.
6. Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing sorbet provides a zesty counterpoint to the sweet and floral elements of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a London Fog Cake can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Incorrect tea measurement: Using too much or too little Earl Grey tea can impact flavor. Always measure precisely for a balanced taste.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and butter may not blend well, affecting the cake’s rise. Allow them to warm up before mixing.
• Skipping the milk soak: This step adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skip it if you want a truly moist London Fog Cake!
• Inadequate cooling time: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can make it crumble. Always let it cool completely before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover London Fog Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing London Fog Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor.

Reheating London Fog Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture. Heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making London Fog Cake.

What is a London Fog Cake?

A London Fog Cake is a soft dessert flavored with Earl Grey tea and lavender, creating a unique aromatic experience.

Can I customize the flavors of my London Fog Cake?

Yes! You can experiment with different types of tea or add citrus zest for an extra zing.

How do I know when my London Fog Cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, usually after about 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after sitting, as the flavors meld together beautifully over time.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cake is not only soft and moist but also offers a wonderful blend of Earl Grey and lavender flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant tea parties. Feel free to customize it with your favorite tea or add fruit toppings—your creativity knows no bounds! Try this recipe today; it’s sure to impress!