Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Earl Grey tea and creamy desserts, this cake will captivate your taste buds. The infusion of Earl Grey tea into the batter gives the cake a subtle, aromatic flavor that’s balanced perfectly with the richness of butter and sugar. The fluffy, sweet whipped cream frosting ties everything together, creating a delicate yet indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something extraordinary, the London Fog Cake delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons of Earl Grey tea leaves (or 3 tea bags)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- Extra sugar (to taste, for frosting)
- Optional: lavender or lemon zest for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Infuse Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk on low heat until warm. Add the Earl Grey tea leaves (or tea bags), allowing them to steep for about 10 minutes. Remove the tea and set the milk aside to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the brewed Earl Grey milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar to taste, then frost the cooled cakes.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread some frosting on top and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Add Flavor Enhancers: For a unique twist, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or a dash of lemon zest to the frosting for extra flavor.
- Lavender Infusion: If you enjoy floral notes, add a tablespoon of dried lavender to the tea infusion to bring a fragrant touch to the cake.
- Spices: For a warm, spiced version, consider adding cinnamon or cardamom to the cake batter.
- Lemon Frosting: For a zesty contrast, try making a lemon-flavored frosting by adding a little lemon juice and zest to the whipped cream frosting.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: The cake is best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for a bit before enjoying. If refrigerated, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of tea, such as chai or green tea, to give the cake a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary from the traditional Earl Grey.
How can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make the cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in place of the whole milk. For the frosting, use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.
Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
While making the batter from scratch is ideal for the best flavor, you can substitute with a vanilla cake mix. Just replace the milk and water with the infused Earl Grey tea for that signature flavor.
What’s the best way to infuse the milk with tea?
Gently heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Add your tea leaves or tea bags and let them steep for 10 minutes to ensure the milk takes on the tea’s flavor without being too strong.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving to maintain the freshness of the frosting.
How do I make sure my cake doesn’t stick to the pans?
Make sure to grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly before pouring in the batter. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for extra assurance.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw completely before frosting.
Can I use powdered sugar in the frosting instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use powdered sugar in the frosting, but be sure to sift it to avoid any lumps. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to achieve your desired sweetness.
What’s the best way to garnish the cake?
For a lovely touch, garnish the cake with a sprinkle of dried lavender or a bit of lemon zest. Fresh herbs or edible flowers also make beautiful garnishes for this elegant cake.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes instead?
Yes, this batter works well for cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
London Fog Cake is a perfect combination of delicate tea flavors and creamy textures, offering a refreshing take on traditional desserts. With its aromatic Earl Grey infusion, creamy frosting, and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to become a favorite at your next tea party or family gathering. Simple to make yet undeniably elegant, this cake will impress everyone who tastes it!
London Fog Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
A delightful twist on a classic dessert inspired by London Fog tea, featuring Earl Grey-infused cake with creamy frosting—a must-try for tea lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 teaspoons of Earl Grey tea leaves (or 3 tea bags)
1 cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
Extra sugar (to taste, for frosting)
Optional: lavender or lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Infuse Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk on low heat until warm. Add the Earl Grey tea leaves (or tea bags), allowing them to steep for about 10 minutes. Remove the tea and set the milk aside to cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the brewed Earl Grey milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add sugar to taste, then frost the cooled cakes.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread some frosting on top and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or a dash of lemon zest to the frosting.
Infuse a tablespoon of dried lavender into the milk for a fragrant touch.
For a warm, spiced version, consider adding cinnamon or cardamom to the cake batter.
Try a lemon-flavored frosting for a zesty contrast by adding a little lemon juice and zest to the whipped cream frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
