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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
