There’s something about a slice of London Fog Cake that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon. Picture this: a beautifully layered cake infused with the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea, creamy vanilla, and the delicate sweetness of lavender. With each bite, you’re enveloped in a cloud of nostalgia, as if you were sitting at your favorite café in London, sipping on your favorite brew while watching the world go by.
This delightful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a quiet moment to yourself. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have friends and family flocking to see what’s baking. Trust me; they’ll be begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This London Fog Cake is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers an exquisite flavor profile that marries tea and vanilla perfectly
- Its stunning layers make it a visual masterpiece for any dessert table
- Versatile enough to serve at brunch or as an afternoon treat, it never fails to impress
I remember the first time I made this cake for my friend’s birthday party. The look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless; she declared it “the best birthday cake ever!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cake Flour: For that light and airy texture—trust me, don’t substitute with all-purpose flour.
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Earl Grey Tea Bags: Choose high-quality tea bags for maximum flavor infusion.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar works best to create sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
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Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise—nobody likes a flat cake!
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for better mixing; it also adds richness to the cake.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs help provide structure and moisture—go for large eggs if possible.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; feel free to use almond milk if you’re dairy-free.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor; avoid imitation if you can.
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Dried Lavender Buds: These add a unique floral note—ensure they’re culinary grade.
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Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making that delicious frosting; it creates a smooth consistency.
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Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream for rich and fluffy frosting—light cream just won’t cut it here.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray.
Brew the Earl Grey Tea: Steep the Earl Grey tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly while you mix other ingredients.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and dried lavender buds until evenly combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do. The mixture should turn pale yellow.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract : Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to get every last bit mixed in.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Slowly incorporate your brewed tea into the butter mixture alternating with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; don’t over-mix!
Bake Your Cakes : Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool Before Frosting : Once done baking, let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Now you’ve mastered the art of creating this delightful London Fog Cake that will impress everyone around you!
Enjoy each layer filled with love, laughter, and those oh-so-comforting flavors!
You Must Know
- This London Fog Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience!
- The blend of tea and vanilla creates a cozy aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a warm hug
- Perfect for gatherings, it invites warm memories with every slice
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brewing the Earl Grey tea to infuse flavor, then mix your dry ingredients while the tea cools. This sequence ensures optimal flavor in every bite without any unnecessary waiting around.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap Earl Grey for chamomile or chai for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle some citrus zest for a refreshing zing that dances on your palate, adding a personal flair to your cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover London Fog Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive its moist texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sift your flour before measuring to avoid dense cake layers
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing, creating a lighter texture
- Don’t skip letting the cake cool completely before frosting; it prevents melting and ensures perfect presentation
The first time I baked this London Fog Cake, my friends insisted I open a bakery! Their compliments were heartwarming, and now it’s my go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for celebration.
FAQ
What is London Fog Cake?
London Fog Cake is a delightful dessert infused with Earl Grey tea and vanilla flavors.
Can I use other types of tea?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different teas like chai or green tea for varied tastes.
How do I know if my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked.
London Fog Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the cozy embrace of London Fog Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea, creamy vanilla, and subtle lavender. This beautifully layered cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or an afternoon treat. Each bite offers a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of your favorite café moment. Bake this cake to impress your guests and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp dried lavender buds (culinary grade)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Steep Earl Grey tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes; set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, lavender buds, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add brewed tea to the butter mixture alternating with dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, whip heavy cream and gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
