London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Frosting Recipe

If you adore the comforting charm of a classic London Fog latte and the delicate floral notes of lavender, you are in for an unforgettable treat with this London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Frosting Recipe. This luscious cake is soft and moist, bursting with fragrant Earl Grey and gentle hints of lavender, while a sweetly infused Earl Grey lavender milk soak ensures every bite is tender and richly flavored. The crowning glory is the silky lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting that ties all the elements into a dreamy dessert experience that feels both soothing and indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or sharing it at a special gathering, this cake will quickly become your go-to for a sophisticated yet utterly comforting sweet treat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this cake is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the textured softness of all-purpose flour to the aromatic boost of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, right through to the creamy, tangy frost that amps up flavor and adds a visually stunning finish.

• Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp for cake + 2 tbsp for soak): Brings the signature bergamot flavor that defines the cake’s unique profile.
• Culinary lavender (1 tbsp for cake + 1½ tbsp for soak and frosting): Adds a subtle floral note that complements the tea beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda (1 1/2 tsp and 1/4 tsp): Provide lift and lightness to the batter.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter (10 tbsp for cake + 1 cup for frosting): Supplies richness and moisture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens while helping to create a delicate crumb.
• Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp for cake + 1 tsp for frosting + 1/2 tsp for soak): Deepens flavor with authentic vanilla warmth.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Balances the batter’s acidity and adds to the tender texture.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Forms the base of the tea soak for additional moistness.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Enriches the soak, giving that subtle creamy sweetness reminiscent of tres leches cakes.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): The creamy tang in the frosting that contrasts beautifully with floral and citrus notes.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Creates that smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
• Purple food coloring (optional): For a pretty lavendery hue that makes the frosting visually delightful.

How to Make London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Earl Grey Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×9 inch baking pan with grease and parchment paper for easy release. Grinding the Earl Grey tea leaves and culinary lavender until fine allows their flavors to meld smoothly into the flour mixture without any gritty texture. Next, whisk together your flour, ground tea and lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend ensures the tea and lavender are evenly distributed for balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this step is critical for air incorporation, giving the cake a delicate crumb. Beat in the eggs one by one and then the vanilla bean paste until you achieve a pale, smooth mixture that promises richness and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk

Alternate between adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed just until combined each time. This step keeps the batter tender, preventing overmixing that could toughen the cake. Scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure an even batter before pouring it into the prepared pan.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake for 38 to 44 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow this Earl Grey infused cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before gently lifting it out using the parchment paper. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, so it’s ready for soaking and frosting.

Step 5: Make the Earl Grey Milk Soak

Gently heat whole milk until steaming, then steep with Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes to infuse that delicate aroma and flavor. Strain to remove leaves and lavender bits, then mix in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. This soak almost works like a tres leches milk infusion but remains perfectly balanced to keep the cake moist without sogginess.

Step 6: Prepare the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Grind culinary lavender finely and sift to avoid any coarse bits in your frosting. Beat the softened butter until pale and fluffy, then add cold cream cheese and whip to combine. Sift in powdered sugar, fold in the lavender and vanilla, then beat until silky and light. Add purple food coloring if desired for that signature lavender hue.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once completely cooled, trim a thin layer off the top to let the soak penetrate deeply. Transfer the cake to a serving dish and poke small holes evenly across the surface with a wooden handle or similar tool. Slowly drizzle the Earl Grey milk soak over the cake, allowing it to seep in thoroughly. Finally, spread a generous, even layer of lavender cream cheese frosting on top. Cut into 16 slices and prepare for compliments galore!

How to Serve London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

The cake’s gorgeous frosting can be enhanced with a sprinkle of dried lavender petals for a pretty and fragrant touch or a few fresh edible flowers to give it that extra hint of elegance and color.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a cup of Earl Grey tea or a delicate herbal blend to echo the floral and citrus notes. Fresh berries or a light fruit compote add tartness that perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate the presentation, cut the cake into perfect squares and place each on decorative plates with a sprig of lavender and a dusting of powdered sugar. Alternatively, stack two layers with frosting in between for an impressive layered cake experience that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Frosting Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its delicate flavors without any compromise.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw fully at room temperature before adding the Earl Grey milk soak and frosting for best results.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid reheating. If preferred, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften slightly and flavors unfold more beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf?

Absolutely. Just open the tea bags and use the contents to grind with lavender before mixing with flour. If you only have tea bags, discard any large stems for best texture.

Is culinary lavender safe to eat?

Yes, culinary lavender is specifically grown and intended for cooking. It provides a subtle floral note but should be used sparingly to avoid bitterness.

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk can be replaced by whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. This helps maintain the cake’s texture and acidity balance.

What is the purpose of the Earl Grey milk soak?

The soak adds moisture and infuses the cake with deep, fragrant flavors making each bite especially tender and rich, reminiscent of tres leches but lighter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

With appropriate flour blends that mimic all-purpose flour’s texture, it can work well. Just be mindful that the structure and crumb might vary slightly, so results may differ but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Frosting Recipe that feels cozy yet refined, like a warm hug in cake form. It’s the kind of slice that brightens afternoons or steals the show at gatherings with its enchanting flavors and sumptuous texture. If you love a tea-inspired dessert that pairs perfectly with both casual and elegant occasions, I promise this recipe will become your new favorite to bake and share. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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