If you’re a fan of the cozy, aromatic flavors of a London Fog latte, you’re going to love this London Fog Cake recipe. Combining the subtle bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea with a tender vanilla cake and luscious frosting, this dessert feels both comforting and elegant.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a unique twist on your usual cake, this London Fog Cake delivers a delicate but memorable flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated flavor.
- Moist and tender cake texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, or gifting.
- Vanilla frosting adds creamy sweetness without overpowering.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your London Fog Cake. The tea infusion in both the cake and frosting brings that signature flavor to life.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup brewed strong Earl Grey tea, cooled
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 tbsp brewed strong Earl Grey tea, cooled (for frosting)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make London Fog Cake – In Bloom Bakery
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan; line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground Earl Grey tea leaves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, then beat in eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixed with brewed Earl Grey tea to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar gradually. Stir in vanilla and brewed Earl Grey tea until creamy and spreadable.
- Once the cake is cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Garnish with a light dusting of finely ground Earl Grey tea or a few dried lavender petals if desired.
- Slice and serve with a cup of your favorite tea for the perfect London Fog experience.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use loose leaf Earl Grey tea for the best flavor, finely ground to mix evenly.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Make sure your brewed tea is strong and fully cooled before adding to the batter or frosting.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and yield better texture.
- Chill the frosting slightly if it’s too soft before spreading on the cake.
Storage and Reheating
Store your London Fog Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add frosting just before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can make the frosting separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose leaf?
Yes, you can carefully open the tea bags and use the leaves for this recipe. Loose leaf tends to have a fresher flavor, but tea bag leaves work well if ground finely.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Its elegant flavors and beautiful presentation make it perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or any celebration.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
How strong should I brew the Earl Grey tea?
Use about 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf or 1 tea bag per 3/4 cup hot water, steeped for 5 minutes to ensure a robust flavor for both cake and frosting.
