London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delicate flavors of a London Fog Cake infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender. This moist, fragrant cake is paired with a rich lavender frosting and a sweetened condensed milk soak, making it a perfect teatime treat or elegant dessert.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp (12 g) loose leaf 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 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 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
• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cold cream cheese
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• Optional: Purple food coloring

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Pulse the 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1 tbsp culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground. Sift this mixture through a mesh sieve to remove any large pieces.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Step 4: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar on high speed for about two minutes until pale and fluffy.
5. Step 5: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste, until the batter is smooth.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the buttermilk and dry ingredients alternately on low speed, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 20 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Step 8: For the soak, heat the whole milk until steaming. Steep 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender in the hot milk for 15 minutes. Strain, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste until combined.
9. Step 9: Prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter on high speed for five minutes until light and fluffy. Add the cold cream cheese, sifted 1 tbsp culinary lavender, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add purple food coloring if desired.
10. Step 10: Trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake. Poke holes evenly across the surface, then pour the milk soak over it to absorb. Spread the lavender frosting over the top to finish your cake.

Tips & Variations

• Use kitchen scales for accurate measurement of tea and lavender to avoid overpowering the cake.
• If culinary lavender is unavailable, substitute with finely chopped edible rose petals for a floral twist.
• Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter to brighten the flavors.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• Adjust the soaking time to make a moister cake by allowing the soak to absorb fully overnight in the fridge.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Leftover cake can be frozen without frosting for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use about 4 to 5 Earl Grey tea bags, but remove the paper strings before pulsing to avoid burnt paper flavor. Loose leaf tea often provides a fresher, more intense flavor.

Is culinary lavender safe to eat?

Yes, culinary lavender is specifically grown for cooking and is safe to consume. Avoid using lavender intended for fragrance or decoration, as it may be treated with chemicals.

London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

A delicate and aromatic London Fog Cake infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, layered with a luscious lavender cream cheese frosting and soaked in a fragrant milk mixture for a uniquely elegant dessert experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 3 tbsp (12 g) loose leaf 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 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

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

Lavender Frosting

• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cold cream cheese
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
• Optional: Purple food coloring

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Grind Tea and Lavender: Pulse the 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1 tbsp culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground. Sift through a fine mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces for a smooth batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground tea and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about two minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy, indicating enough air has been incorporated.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla bean paste and mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the buttermilk and dry ingredients in alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Milk Soak: Heat the whole milk until steaming (not boiling), then steep the 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1/2 tbsp lavender for 15 minutes. Strain out the solids, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste until well combined.
9. Make Lavender Frosting: Beat the softened butter on medium speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the cold cream cheese and sifted ground lavender, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add purple food coloring if desired for a pastel hue.
10. Assemble the Cake: Trim a thin layer from the top of the cooled cake to level it. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes evenly across the surface. Pour the milk soak slowly over the cake to allow it to absorb fully. Finish by spreading the lavender frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate if necessary to set before serving.

Notes

• Use culinary lavender specifically for cooking to avoid any bitter flavors or pesticides.
• Make sure eggs are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and texture.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
• Steeping the tea for the soak imparts a strong Earl Grey flavor; adjust steeping time to your preference.
• Optional purple food coloring elevates the lavender theme but is not necessary for flavor.
• For best flavor, allow the cake to rest overnight to let the soak fully infuse.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Cake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British-inspired

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