Earl Grey London Fog Cake

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Picture a delicate cloud of cake, infused with the fragrant bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea, its airy crumb dissolving effortlessly with each bite. Crowned with a generous swirl of silky vanilla frosting, it offers the perfect creamy balance to the tea’s gentle elegance. This is the London Fog Cake, a dreamy new way to savor your favorite tea, transformed into pure dessert bliss.

This recipe isn’t just about baking a cake; it’s about capturing a feeling. The comforting warmth of a London Fog latte is translated into a truly decadent dessert. I first encountered this flavor combination while visiting a charming London bakery, and I was instantly smitten. I knew I had to recreate it, and after many trials (and delicious errors!), I’ve perfected a recipe that’s both intensely flavorful and surprisingly easy to make.

This cake is perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. The subtle sophistication of Earl Grey makes it a winner among adults, while its sweetness and texture appeal to everyone. Prepare to be transported to a cozy tea shop with every bite of this London Fog Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: This cake looks and tastes impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to bake, even for beginners.
Aromatic Bliss: The star of the show is, without a doubt, the Earl Grey tea, infusing every layer with its signature citrusy fragrance.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The cake itself is incredibly soft and moist, creating a truly luxurious experience.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for tea parties, birthdays, or a simple weeknight dessert.
Secrets to Success: I’ll share all my tips and tricks for achieving cake perfection, from infusing the tea properly to getting that perfect frosting swirl.
Bring the essence of Earl Grey with this London Fog Cake to your special occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

London Fog Cakeingredients — London Fog Cake ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. The heart of this London Fog Cake is, of course, Earl Grey tea. I recommend using a high-quality loose-leaf tea for the best flavor, but tea bags will work in a pinch. If using tea bags, open them up and use the tea leaves inside.

Earl Grey Tea: The soul of our cake, providing that distinctive bergamot flavor. For the most potent flavor, opt for loose-leaf tea. You can experiment with different Earl Grey blends to find your favorite flavor profile.
Butter: Essential for richness and tenderness. Use unsalted butter, so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the best results. Vegan butter works as a fantastic substitute!
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warm sweetness. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste. Don’t skimp; it really makes a difference!
Cake Flour: This is key to achieving that light and airy texture. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. Whole milk is preferred, but 2% or even almond milk works well too.
Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and delicate frosting when paired with butter and vanilla.
Eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal emulsification.
Sugar: It is an essential ingredient, so the London Fog Cake has the optimum amount of sweetness.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before we get started, let’s gather our tools. You’ll need a few essentials to whip up this delightful London Fog Cake:

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
Rubber spatula
Wire rack

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How to Make London Fog Cake

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps for a cake that will transport you to a cozy London tea room:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your 9-inch cake pan. This prevents sticking, making cake removal stress-free!
Step 2: Steep the Earl Grey tea in warm milk for 10-15 minutes. This infuses the milk with that signature Earl Grey flavor, which is what sets the base standard for the London Fog Cake. Give it a good stir to ensure the tea is fully submerged.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air in the batter, resulting in a lighter cake. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Earl Grey-infused milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing will result in a tough cake.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the vanilla frosting. A simple swirl pattern looks elegant and effortless
Step 11: Garnish with a sprinkle of Earl Grey tea leaves, if desired. Small details make a big impact!
Step 12: Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade London Fog Cake!

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Check for doneness using a toothpick, and err on the side of slightly underbaked.
Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature for optimal emulsification and a smooth batter.
Sift Your Flour: Sifting cake flour helps to remove any lumps and ensures a light and airy texture for your London Fog Cake.
Infuse with Intention: Allow the Earl Grey tea to steep fully in the milk to let the flavor really permeate. This brings on the essence of Earl Grey to your baking.
Level Up Your Layers: If you want perfectly even layers, use a cake leveler or a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cooled cakes before frosting.

Variations and Dietary Swaps

Gluten-Free London Fog Cake: Use a gluten-free cake flour blend instead of regular cake flour. Make sure it’s a blend designed for baking.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
Lemon Zest Variation: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for an extra burst of citrus flavor that complements the Earl Grey beautifully. It will remind you of the tea time in London!

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of London Fog Cake with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea for the ultimate experience.
Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
It would also be amazing with an assortment of petit fours!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can! Simply open up a few tea bags and use the tea leaves inside. Just make sure to measure the correct amount.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature, tightly wrapped. You can also make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before frosting the cake.

My cake is dry. What did I do wrong?

Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cake. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick, and don’t overmix the batter. Another reason could be too much flour. Always measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While you can, the texture will be slightly different. Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a more tender cake. If you must use all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons of flour per cup and replace it with cornstarch. The perfect flavour infusion of the London Fog Cake will come out regardless.

This London Fog Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect combination of comforting flavors and elegant presentation, easy enough to make on a whim but impressive enough for a special occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, steep some tea, and get baking! I can’t wait to see your creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and tag @culinarycravingcom on Instagram to show off your beautiful bakes. What variation will you try first?

Lavender Honey Cake: A delicate and floral cake with a touch of sweetness – a perfect pairing with slices of London Fog Cake!
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: Bright and cheerful muffins that are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Pair these with your tea and London Fog Cake!
Classic Victoria Sponge Cake: A simple yet elegant cake filled with jam and cream. It provides the perfect alternative afternoon tea treat to the London Fog Cake.

London Fog Cake a soft, fragrant cake infused with Earl Grey tea and vanilla, topped with creamy frosting, making it the perfect dessert for tea lovers.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine british

Servings 8

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea leaves

Vanilla Frosting:

1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Heat milk until warm, then steep Earl Grey tea leaves in the milk for 10-15 minutes. Strain and discard tea leaves.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Earl Grey-infused milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the vanilla frosting.
Garnish with a sprinkle of Earl Grey tea leaves, if desired.

Notes

For a more intense Earl Grey flavor, use more tea leaves.

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition: (Approximate values per serving)

Calories: 450

Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 15g

Cholesterol: 100mg

Sodium: 200mg

Carbohydrates: 60g

Sugar: 40g

Protein: 4g