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Heavenly London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender Twist Recipe

4.5 from 80 reviews

This Heavenly London Fog Cake is an elegant and fragrant dessert inspired by the classic Earl Grey tea latte. Infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, the moist cake is soaked in a subtle milk mixture and finished with a smooth lavender cream cheese frosting, offering a perfect balance of floral and citrus notes in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 teaspoons Earl Grey Tea (loose leaf or tea bags)
  • 2 tablespoons Culinary Lavender dried
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (measured correctly)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (fine)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
  • 1.5 cups Granulated White Sugar
  • 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (for soaking)
  • 1 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (for soaking)

For the Frosting

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (cold)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Culinary Lavender (finely ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
  • 1 drop Purple Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan for easy cake release.
  2. Grind Tea and Lavender: Using a food processor, grind the Earl Grey tea leaves and culinary lavender together until finely combined to infuse maximum flavor into the cake batter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground Earl Grey and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla bean paste, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the buttermilk and the dry ingredients alternately to the creamed mixture, folding gently until a creamy and even batter forms.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 38-44 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool for 30 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing it for the milk soak.
  9. Prepare Milk Soak: In a saucepan, heat whole milk with additional Earl Grey tea and lavender for 15 minutes to infused the milk with the signature flavors, then strain and mix with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
  10. Make the Frosting: Beat cold cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, finely ground lavender, and vanilla extract (optional). Add a drop of purple food coloring if desired for visual appeal.
  11. Soak the Cake: Level the top of the cooled cake and poke holes evenly across the surface using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb evenly and deeply.
  12. Frost and Serve: Spread the lavender cream cheese frosting evenly over the soaked cake. Optionally, garnish with dried lavender. Slice into 16 portions and serve.

Notes

  • Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender on top for an elegant presentation and enhanced floral aroma.
  • Use high-quality Earl Grey tea for the best depth of flavor.
  • Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
  • Allow the cake to fully absorb the milk soak before frosting for optimal moisture.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.

Keywords: London Fog Cake, Earl Grey Cake, Lavender Cake, Tea Infused Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Floral Dessert, Elegant Cake