There’s something magical about the first bite of a London Fog Cake. Imagine fluffy layers infused with Earl Grey tea, kissed by the subtle sweetness of vanilla, and topped with a silky lavender frosting. It’s like your favorite cup of tea morphed into a cake and invited all its friends to the party, creating a delightful flavor explosion in your mouth. delightful strawberry dessert roll This cake is perfect for those cozy afternoons when you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself.
The first time I made this London Fog Cake, my friends thought I had summoned some sort of baking witchcraft. Their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at their surprised reactions. savory cheesy ranch potatoes Whether you whip it up for a birthday bash or serve it at an afternoon tea with friends, it’s bound to leave everyone grinning from ear to ear.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The London Fog Cake combines the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey with delicate lavender notes for an unforgettable experience
- It’s simple enough for beginners yet fancy enough for special occasions
- The stunning layers and frostings make it visually appealing on any dessert table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences!
Nothing beats that moment when you present this cake, and everyone gasps in awe at its elegant layers and inviting aroma. I still remember my cousin’s delighted exclamation: “This tastes like magic!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
- Cake Flour: This flour gives the cake its light and airy structure; don’t substitute with all-purpose flour.
- Earl Grey Tea Bags: Use high-quality tea bags for the best infusion; steep them well!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up! It’s essential for balancing the flavors in both cake and frosting.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing; trust me on this one! For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
- Eggs: Use large eggs; they provide moisture and richness that make every bite heavenly.
- Milk: Whole milk is preferred here; it adds creaminess that elevates your cake’s texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for a deeper flavor note; imitation just won’t cut it!
- Lavender Extract: A little goes a long way! It adds that quintessential floral note that makes this cake unique.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for making that dreamy frosting; sift it before using for better texture.
- Baking Powder: Don’t forget this! It helps your cake rise beautifully in the oven.
- Salt: A pinch balances all those sweet flavors; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. classic banana pudding recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray.
Steep the Tea Bags: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of milk to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat, add 2 Earl Grey tea bags, cover, and let steep for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
Create Your Batter Base: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extracts : Mix in 4 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon lavender extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups cake flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Incorporate Everything Together : Alternate adding the dry mixture and the steeped milk mixture into the butter-sugar mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Bake Those Layers!: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool Down Before Frosting : Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely—resist temptation!
Make That Dreamy Lavender Frosting : While cakes cool, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 4 cups sifted powdered sugar until fluffy. Add milk as needed until you reach your desired consistency along with more lavender extract if desired.
Assemble Your Cake : Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting atop it, then gently place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Enjoy each slice! Your friends will soon be asking how they can get their hands on another piece of your delightful creation.
Happy baking!
You Must Know
- This delightful London Fog Cake brings a cozy twist to your dessert table
- Its sweet aroma of Earl Grey tea and vanilla will fill your kitchen, making it the perfect treat for any occasion
- Ideal for tea parties or just a cozy night in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brewing strong Earl Grey tea, then mix the wet ingredients before folding in the dry ones for an even batter. This sequence ensures that flavors meld perfectly while keeping the cake moist and fluffy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Earl Grey for chai or add citrus zest for a vibrant twist. A sprinkle of lavender can elevate the flavor profile, giving this cake a unique flair that will impress your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover London Fog Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy them warm, just like fresh out of the oven. creamy chicken alfredo pasta.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, avoid over-mixing your batter; gentle folding keeps it light and airy
- Always check doneness with a toothpick—moist crumbs should cling but not batter
- Finally, let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
I once made this London Fog Cake for my grandmother’s birthday, and she declared it “better than my wedding cake”! Nothing beats that smile when you know you’ve nailed it in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use decaf tea for London Fog Cake?
Absolutely! Decaf Earl Grey works beautifully without compromising flavor.
What frosting pairs well with this cake?
A light vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the cake perfectly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
London Fog Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 12 servings
Description
London Fog Cake is a delightful fusion of Earl Grey tea and vanilla, topped with silky lavender frosting. This enchanting dessert transforms your favorite cup of tea into a stunning cake, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy afternoon treat. With its elegant layers and aromatic flavors, this cake is sure to leave everyone enchanted!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lavender extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a small saucepan, simmer milk with tea bags for 10 minutes; set aside to steep.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and lavender extracts.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients and steeped milk to the butter mixture; combine without overmixing.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before frosting.
- For frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy; add milk for desired consistency.
- Assemble the cake by layering frosting between the cooled cakes and on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with chai tea or citrus zest. Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to three days.