Name: London Fog Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 44 min
Total time: 1 h 44 min
Cuisine: British-inspired
Ingredients: 3 tbsp (12 g) 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 eggs, at 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) cream cheese, cold; 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; Purple food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 49 reviews

If you’re searching for a treat that transports you straight to a cozy café with every bite, you’ve got to try the London Fog Cake Recipe. This cake masterfully blends the aromatic nuances of Earl Grey tea and delicate culinary lavender into a moist, tender crumb soaked in a fragrant milk mixture, topped with a dreamy, velvety lavender cream cheese frosting. It’s a sophisticated yet totally approachable dessert that feels like a warm hug and a gentle invitation to slow down and savor life’s sweetest moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square light brown sponge cake with even small holes all over the surface sits on white parchment paper, atop a rustic wooden surface with worn, chipped paint. The cake has a slightly darker brown edge crust. Nearby, a white cup filled with light brown tea or coffee is partially visible at the bottom left, and a few sprigs of dried purple flowers rest on the white marbled texture background at the top right and bottom right corners. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role; from the floral whispers of lavender to the rich tang of cream cheese, these staples elevate the cake without overwhelming it.

Earl Grey tea (3 tbsp): The heart of the cake’s distinct flavor, providing that signature bergamot citrus aroma.
Culinary lavender (1 tbsp + 1/2 tbsp): Adds a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the tea’s earthiness.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the sturdy base for a tender, fluffy cake crumb.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) and baking soda (1/4 tsp): Ensures the cake rises perfectly and has just the right lightness.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (10 tbsp + 1 cup): Provides richness and moisture; softened for easy mixing and creamy frosting.
Granulated white sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake with a clean, classic taste.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add structure with tenderness.
Vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp + 1/2 tsp): Boosts the overall flavor with deep vanilla notes.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds a slight tang and keeps the cake moist and airy.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Used in the tea soak to soften and infuse the cake layers.
Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Brings creaminess and a touch of sweetness to the soak.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): The base for the frosting, lending it a luscious creaminess and slight tang.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting with a smooth finish.
Purple food coloring (optional): For that charming lavender hue in your frosting, adding visual delight.

How to Make London Fog Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Earl Grey Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake lifts out easily once baked. Pulse the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground, then sift through a sieve to remove any coarse bits. This step infuses an intense aroma and flavor into the flour mixture, which you’ll mix next with flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, which takes about 2 minutes. Then, beat in your room temperature eggs one at a time with vanilla bean paste until the batter turns pale and smooth.

Step 2: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your electric mixer on low, alternate adding the buttermilk and dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. This method prevents overmixing, which ensures a soft texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl between additions to keep everything evenly incorporated. Once smooth, pour this batter into your prepared pan and bake for 38 to 44 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when the cake is perfectly done. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before gently lifting it out using the parchment paper; then allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Making the Earl Grey Milk Soak

While the cake cools, prepare the luxurious milk soak. Heat whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it is steaming but not boiling. Add the Earl Grey tea and lavender. Let them steep for 15 minutes off the heat to thoroughly infuse the milk with those beautiful floral and citrus notes. Strain the mixture to remove the tea leaves and lavender bits, then whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. What you’re left with is a creamy, fragrant soak that will transform your cake into a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Step 4: Crafting the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, pulse culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground and pass the powder through a fine sieve. Beat the softened butter on high speed until pale and fluffy—patience here will reward you with a silky texture. Next, add the cold cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is light and airy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, add the lavender and vanilla, then beat on low to combine, followed by high speed for maximum fluffiness. If you want to embrace the lavender theme visually, a drop or two of purple food coloring will give your frosting the prettiest hue.

Step 5: Assembling the London Fog Cake Recipe

Once completely cooled, trim a thin slice from the top of the cake to help the soak absorb more evenly. Place the cake on your serving plate and gently poke holes all over the surface with the handle of a wooden spoon or a honey dipper for smaller holes—this allows the fragrant milk mixture to soak deeply. Pour the Earl Grey milk soak slowly over the cake and give it a few minutes to absorb fully. Finish by spreading a generous layer of the lavender cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 16 dreamy pieces and get ready to impress everyone with this delicate, flavor-packed cake.

How to Serve London Fog Cake Recipe

This image shows several square pieces of cake arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cake has two layers: a bottom layer of light brown, moist-looking cake with specks, and a top layer of thick, smooth pale purple frosting, spread evenly. One piece is lifted and tilted, showing the cake's texture clearly. One square cake is decorated with a small white flower and few small purple flower sprigs on top of the frosting. Next to the cakes, there is a wooden bowl filled with dark dried tea leaves and sprigs of small purple flowers. At the bottom right, there is a white cup filled with frothy light coffee or latte. The photo has soft natural light and is taken close-up with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your serving truly special, consider topping each slice with a few delicate lavender buds or a gentle dusting of edible pearl sugar for a subtle sparkle. You could also add thin lemon zest strips for a zesty contrast that highlights the bergamot notes in the tea. These simple touches make your cake not just a dessert but a visual celebration of flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add bursts of juicy freshness against the creamy frosting. A pot of hot Earl Grey tea alongside reinforces the flavors, creating an immersive London Fog experience on your plate. For mindful indulgence, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream brings a cold, creamy counterpoint that feels like dessert perfection.

Creative Ways to Present

With its pretty layers and lavender-tinted frosting, this cake shines on its own, but you can elevate presentation by serving it on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand to enhance the cozy, tea-time vibe. If you’re making it for a special occasion, consider piping lavender cream cheese rosettes around the edges or layering it into a trifle with Earl Grey-soaked cake cubes and whipped cream for an unexpected twist that delights your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover London Fog Cake refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and preserve the delicate flavors. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying even after the special occasion is over.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. While the frosting might soften a bit, the flavors remain wonderfully intact.

Reheating

Since this cake is rich and moist, serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting.

FAQs

What is the flavor profile of the London Fog Cake Recipe?

The cake has a delicate blend of bergamot from the Earl Grey tea paired with floral hints from the culinary lavender. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness, while the milk soak makes the crumb moist and infused with fragrant tea notes.

Can I substitute the lavender if I don’t have it?

While lavender complements the tea beautifully, if you don’t have culinary lavender, you can leave it out or replace it with a small amount of dried rose petal or vanilla bean for a different but still floral nuance.

Is it necessary to use Earl Grey tea leaves or can I use tea bags?

Loose leaf Earl Grey tea is preferred for this recipe because it gives a stronger, more nuanced flavor and better texture when ground. However, you can use finely crushed tea bags as a substitute if needed, just make sure to remove any paper strings and staples.

How long does the cake remain fresh after assembling?

Once assembled with the soak and frosting, the cake stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For optimal flavor, consume within this timeframe to enjoy the freshness of the tea and lavender notes.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cream cheese for its signature tang and creaminess, so a dairy-free version would require using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and vegan butter. Expect a slightly different texture and taste, but it still can be a delicious alternative!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet indulged in this London Fog Cake Recipe, now is the perfect time to bring those classic tea flavors into your home baking. It’s a cake that feels refined but is surprisingly straightforward to make, offering a cozy little moment of elegance in every bite. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this wonderful treat as much as I do!