London Fog Cake

The London Fog Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that captures the essence of cozy afternoons and warm gatherings. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of fluffy cake infused with the aromatic notes of Earl Grey tea and lavender. This cake pays homage to the iconic London Fog tea latte with a delicious twist that transforms a classic brew into a scrumptious treat. Your friends and family will be captivated by its light texture and sophisticated flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike!

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As we journey through this recipe, I’ll share some secrets to help you achieve that moist cake we all crave. The combination of high-quality ingredients, like vanilla bean paste, fresh lavender, and good butter, enhances every bite and takes the cake from ordinary to extraordinary. So, let’s grab our aprons, and let’s make something that will not just satisfy your sweet tooth but will also brighten your spirit.

Why This Recipe Works

Why does this London Fog Cake stand out among other desserts? First, the harmonious blend of Earl Grey tea and lavender creates a flavor that dances on your palate. This unique combination evokes the warmth of a snug tea moment. It’s both refreshing and cozy—a real treat!

Moreover, the cake’s moist texture comes from the Earl Grey milk soak, which elevates the overall experience. By soaking the cake after baking, you ensure that every slice is not only flavorful but also wonderfully tender.

Lastly, using quality ingredients truly makes a difference. For instance, vanilla bean paste adds a depth of flavor while fresh lavender provides an aromatic touch, making this cake a delightful masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This London Fog Cake

You’ll adore this London Fog Cake for several reasons! First and foremost, tea lovers will find it irresistible. The sophisticated flavors will impress your guests whether it’s an afternoon gathering or a holiday celebration. Each bite is like indulging in a fancy café treat that you can enjoy right in your home.

Not to mention, the cake’s soft and airy texture, combined with creamy frosting, makes it a luxurious dessert. It’s an experience of decadence that everyone deserves. As you slice into it, the beautiful layers combined with the fragrant frosting just beckon you to take another bite.

Additionally, this cake is surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply enjoying a casual afternoon, the London Fog Cake fits right in. You’ll keep coming back to this recipe, wishing to share it again and again.

Ingredients for London Fog Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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)

Preparing the Earl Grey Cake

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cake won’t stick!

Process the Tea and Lavender

Next, toss the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender into a food processor. Pulse them until they’re finely ground, then use a sieve to remove any large bits. This step helps to infuse those lovely flavors evenly throughout your cake.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, processed Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside; it’s going to be the backbone of your cake!

Cream Butter and Sugar

Now, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy, as this helps create a tender texture.

Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs and vanilla bean paste, mixing on medium speed until the batter becomes pale and smooth—about 1 minute will do.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the buttermilk along with the flour mixture. Blend just until combined while scraping down the bowl as needed. You don’t want to overmix; gentle folding will keep your cake airy.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 38-44 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Earl Grey Milk Soak

Heat the Milk

In a small saucepan, heat the whole milk over low heat until it gets steamy. You don’t need it to boil, just warm enough to release those flavors!

Steep the Tea and Lavender

Add the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender to the milk. Let it steep for about 15 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—your milk will develop a beautiful flavor.

Strain and Cool

Remove the saucepan from heat and use a sieve to strain out the solids. Allow the milk to cool, and then mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. This mixture will add richness to your cake!

Preparing the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Process the Lavender

Take your culinary lavender and pulse it in a food processor until it’s finely ground. So, sift it through a sieve to catch any larger pieces.

Mix the Butter

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until it’s pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This incorporates air, creating a lighter frosting.

Add Cream Cheese

Now, mix in the cold cream cheese until it becomes fluffy—this should take about 1 minute.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the powdered sugar, then add the lavender and vanilla bean paste. Mix on low speed until combined, then crank it up to high for 1 minute until it’s beautifully fluffy. If you want a pop of color, mix in a drop of purple food coloring for that lovely lavender touch!

Assembling the Cake

Trim the Cake

After cooling, trim a thin layer off the top of the cake. Removing this top layer promotes better milk absorption, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

Poke Holes

Use a wooden stick or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes gently across the top of the cake. This step makes sure the milk soak gets deep into the cake.

Soak and Frost

Carefully pour the Earl Grey milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb all that deliciousness. Once soaked, frost generously with the lavender cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula. Cut into 16 slices and serve—your guests will be eager to admire (and taste) this beautiful creation!

Serving Suggestions

To really enhance the experience, pair this cake with a nice cup of Earl Grey tea. It creates a harmonious match that genuinely delights the senses. For an added touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lavender.

Tips for Success

For the best result, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This simple tip can make all the difference in achieving that soft, tender cake. If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, letting the Earl Grey tea steep longer in the milk soak really packs a punch.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! Adding citrus zest to the batter or frosting brings a bright twist to the flavor. Or, if you’re looking for something different, try substituting various herbal teas for unique flavor notes that suit your preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk.

2. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! The cake freezes well without the frosting. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and it can stay fresh for up to 3 months.

4. What can I use instead of culinary lavender?
Dried chamomile or a blend of other floral teas can provide a similar aromatic note if lavender isn’t your favorite.

5. How do I make this cake without eggs?
You can substitute 1 egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use an egg replacement product if needed.

This delightful London Fog Cake is an inviting way to elevate your dessert offerings. Its layers of rich flavor and silky frosting will win over anyone who tries it. So, take a moment, relax, and enjoy each bite of this unique cake that is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection!

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