London Fog Cake Recipe: Ultimate Tea-Infused Dessert

London Fog Cake might sound like an unusual dessert, but let me tell you why this ethereal creation has become one of my most requested recipes at FoodFansy. Picture this: you’re craving something sophisticated yet comforting, elegant yet approachable—something that captures the essence of your favorite afternoon tea in cake form. That’s exactly what happened to me during a particularly dreary London afternoon three years ago.

I was sitting in a cozy café in Covent Garden, sipping the most perfectly balanced Earl Grey latte while watching the fog roll through the streets. The bergamot’s citrusy brightness, the lavender’s floral whisper, and that creamy richness—it was pure magic in a cup. That’s when inspiration struck: why not transform this beloved beverage into a show-stopping dessert?

As someone who’s spent years perfecting the art of translating flavors across different mediums, I knew this London Fog Cake would deliver something special—a moist, tea-infused sponge soaked with aromatic Earl Grey milk and crowned with the most luscious lavender cream cheese frosting you’ve ever tasted.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything: selecting the perfect tea blend, mastering the milk soak technique, achieving that dreamy frosting consistency, and troubleshooting common issues that even experienced bakers encounter.

Why This London Fog Cake Recipe Works

After countless kitchen experiments and feedback from fellow food enthusiasts, this London Fog Cake stands out for three crucial reasons: flavor depth, foolproof technique, and stunning presentation.

Here’s what makes this recipe exceptional:

• Uses premium Earl Grey and culinary lavender for authentic tea shop flavors – No artificial extracts or shortcuts here • Features a unique milk soak system that keeps the cake incredibly moist for days – Say goodbye to dry cake syndrome • Perfect for both intimate gatherings and special celebrations – Elegant enough for dinner parties, comforting enough for Sunday afternoons • Requires no specialized equipment beyond basic baking tools – Your standard mixer and 9×9 pan will do the trick • Can be made a day ahead, actually improving in flavor overnight – Ideal for busy hosts and meal planners

The secret lies in the three-layer flavor approach: the cake itself carries the Earl Grey’s bergamot essence, the milk soak intensifies the tea experience, and the lavender frosting provides that signature floral finish that makes London Fog so distinctive.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for London Fog Cake

The beauty of this London Fog Cake lies in its ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building those complex, layered flavors that make this dessert so memorable.

Best Tea and Lavender for This Recipe

Earl Grey Selection: Not all Earl Grey teas are created equal. Look for loose-leaf varieties with visible bergamot oil coating and real lavender buds. My top recommendations include Twinings Earl Grey, Ahmad Tea Earl Grey, or any high-quality loose-leaf blend from your local tea shop. Avoid tea bags for this recipe—they lack the intensity needed for baking.

Culinary Lavender Guidelines: This is crucial—only use culinary lavender, never decorative varieties which can be bitter and potentially harmful. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is your best bet. Buy from reputable spice merchants or specialty baking suppliers.

Ingredient Sourcing Tips

Butter Quality Matters: Use European-style unsalted butter with higher fat content for richer flavor and better texture. Brands like Kerrygold or Plugrá make a noticeable difference.

Cream Cheese Selection: Full-fat cream cheese is non-negotiable. Philadelphia or similar brick-style cream cheese works best—avoid whipped varieties which won’t provide the structure needed for stable frosting.

Smart Substitutions for London Fog Cake

Tea Alternatives: Lady Grey or Earl Grey Supreme work beautifully. For caffeine-free versions, try rooibos Earl Grey, though the flavor will be milder.

Lavender Substitutions: If culinary lavender is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract plus a pinch of dried thyme for herbal complexity.

Dairy Modifications: Whole milk can be replaced with heavy cream for richer flavor, or oat milk for dairy-free versions (though texture will vary).

Ingredients & Prep for London Fog Cake

Success with this London Fog Cake starts long before you turn on your oven. Proper ingredient preparation and timing make the difference between good and extraordinary results.

Cake Preparation Essentials

Tea and Lavender Grinding: This step is crucial for even flavor distribution. Process your Earl Grey and lavender in a food processor until finely ground, then sieve to remove any large pieces that could create bitter pockets or unpleasant texture.

Room Temperature Rule: Eggs, butter, and buttermilk must reach room temperature for proper emulsification. Remove eggs and buttermilk from refrigeration 2-3 hours before baking, or quick-temper eggs in warm water for 10 minutes.

Measuring Matters: Use weight measurements when possible. Spooning and leveling flour (rather than scooping) prevents dense, heavy cake layers.

Milk Soak Mastery

Steeping Technique: Heat milk just until steaming—never boiling, which can scorch and create bitter flavors. The 15-minute steep time allows maximum flavor extraction without over-extraction.

Straining Strategy: Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove all tea particles. Any remaining bits will create an unpleasant grainy texture in your finished cake.

Essential Pantry Components

Quality Vanilla: Vanilla bean paste adds visual speckle and intense flavor. Pure vanilla extract works as substitution, but the paste elevates the final result.

Leavening Freshness: Check baking powder expiration dates—old leavening agents result in flat, dense cakes.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds richness and helps the milk soak penetrate effectively while adding subtle caramel notes.

Step-by-Step London Fog Cake Instructions

Creating this stunning London Fog Cake requires attention to detail and proper timing. Follow these steps carefully for bakery-quality results every time.

Pre-Baking Preparation for London Fog Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×9 inch light metal pan with butter and parchment paper. Light-colored pans prevent over-browning of the delicate cake.

Grind your Earl Grey tea and lavender in a food processor until fine, then sieve to remove large pieces. This ensures even distribution without bitter spots. Combine with your dry ingredients and whisk thoroughly—proper mixing at this stage prevents streaks in your finished cake.

Room temperature ingredients cream together more effectively, creating the light, fluffy texture we’re after. If you’ve forgotten to remove ingredients from the refrigerator, quick-temper eggs in warm water and cube cold butter for faster softening.

Baking Method for London Fog Cake

The creaming method creates this cake’s tender crumb. Beat butter and sugar on high speed for a full 2 minutes—this incorporates air for lightness. The mixture should appear pale and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, beating until smooth and pale. This gradual incorporation prevents curdling. Alternate buttermilk and dry ingredients in small additions, mixing just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, creating tough cake.

Pour batter into your prepared pan and bake for 38-44 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging.

Cooling and Soaking Technique for London Fog Cake

Proper cooling prevents cracking and ensures successful milk soak absorption. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper handles. Complete cooling on a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms.

Once completely cool, trim a thin layer from the cake’s top surface. This removes the slightly denser top crust, allowing better milk soak penetration. Poke holes across the surface using a wooden skewer or honey dipper handle.

Final Assembly for London Fog Cake

Pour the Earl Grey milk soak slowly and evenly across the cake surface. Be patient—it takes several minutes for complete absorption. The holes help, but don’t rush this crucial step.

Apply lavender cream cheese frosting in a thick, even layer using an offset spatula. The purple tint is optional but creates beautiful visual contrast against the golden cake.

Pro Tips for Perfect London Fog Cake

After making this cake dozens of times and troubleshooting every possible issue, these professional techniques will elevate your results from good to bakery-perfect.

Avoiding Common London Fog Cake Mistakes

Preventing Dense, Heavy Texture: Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper creaming and emulsification. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate properly, resulting in dense, uneven texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly; too warm, and it won’t hold air.

Managing Milk Soak Absorption: If your milk soak isn’t absorbing properly, your cake may not be completely cool, or you haven’t made enough holes. The cake should feel firm and completely cool to the touch before soaking. Make holes every inch across the surface.

Achieving Smooth Frosting: Cold cream cheese is essential for stable frosting that won’t weep or separate. If your frosting appears curdled, chill the bowl for 15 minutes, then re-whip. Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps.

Essential Tool Recommendations for London Fog Cake

Digital Kitchen Scale: Weight measurements ensure consistent results every time. Volume measurements can vary significantly based on how ingredients are packed or scooped.

Food Processor: Crucial for properly grinding tea and lavender. A spice grinder works for small quantities, but a food processor handles the full recipe amounts more effectively.

Fine-Mesh Sieve: Essential for removing tea particles from both the ground mixture and the milk soak. This prevents bitter, gritty textures in your finished cake.

Storage and Serving Strategies for London Fog Cake

Make-Ahead Magic: This cake actually improves overnight as flavors meld and the milk soak fully integrates. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Freezing Guidelines: Unfrosted cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months wrapped tightly. Thaw completely before applying milk soak and frosting. Frosted cake can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Portion Control: Cut into 16 squares for dessert portions, or 12 larger pieces for more generous servings. Clean your knife between cuts for neat presentation.

London Fog Cake Flavor Variations

One of the most exciting aspects of this London Fog Cake is how easily it adapts to different flavor preferences and dietary needs. Here are my favorite tested variations that maintain the recipe’s integrity while offering delicious alternatives.

Spicy Twist on London Fog Cake

Chai-Spiced Version: Replace Earl Grey with strong chai tea blend and add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, and a pinch of black pepper to the dry ingredients. The lavender frosting beautifully complements warm spices.

Bergamot-Ginger Variation: Add 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger to the milk soak and 1 teaspoon ground ginger to the cake batter. The heat plays beautifully against Earl Grey’s citrusy notes.

Dietary-Friendly London Fog Cake Options

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur work excellently. The texture remains remarkably similar to the original.

Reduced Sugar Version: Use 3/4 cup granulated sugar in the cake and substitute half the powdered sugar in frosting with powdered erythritol. The Earl Grey and lavender flavors actually shine more brightly with less sugar competing.

Global Flavor Inspirations for London Fog Cake

French Lavender Honey: Replace half the granulated sugar with honey and increase the lavender slightly. Add a drizzle of honey between cake and frosting layers.

Japanese Matcha Twist: Replace 2 tablespoons flour with ceremonial-grade matcha powder and use jasmine green tea instead of Earl Grey in the milk soak. The result is stunning visually and flavor-wise.

London Fog Cake Flavor Combination Table

Each variation maintains the cake’s essential character while offering completely different flavor experiences that cater to various tastes and seasonal preferences.

London Fog Cake Serving Suggestions

The beauty of London Fog Cake lies not just in its sophisticated flavors, but in its versatility for different occasions and pairings. Here’s how to present and serve this elegant dessert for maximum impact.

Perfect Accompaniments: Serve alongside delicate butter cookies or shortbread fingers that won’t compete with the cake’s subtle flavors. Fresh berries—especially blackberries or blueberries—provide beautiful color contrast and bright acidity that cuts through the rich frosting.

Beverage Pairings for London Fog Cake: Obviously, Earl Grey tea creates a harmonious pairing, but consider these alternatives: champagne or prosecco for celebrations, coffee for brunch service, or dessert wines like Moscato or late-harvest Riesling that complement the lavender notes.

Presentation Ideas: Dust individual squares lightly with powdered sugar for elegant simplicity, or garnish with dried lavender buds and candied lemon peel for special occasions. A drizzle of honey or berry coulis adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Seasonal Serving Suggestions: Spring calls for fresh flower garnishes and light fruit accompaniments. Summer benefits from serving slightly chilled with fresh cream. Fall pairs beautifully with warm spiced cider or tea service. Winter presentation can include crystallized ginger or candied orange peel.

London Fog Cake FAQs

After sharing this recipe with thousands of home bakers, certain questions come up repeatedly. Here are the most common concerns and my tested solutions.

Can I make London Fog Cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake actually improves when made 1-2 days ahead. The milk soak fully integrates, and flavors meld beautifully. Store covered at room temperature for optimal texture, or refrigerated for longer storage.

What if I can’t find culinary lavender for my London Fog Cake? Check specialty spice shops, health food stores, or order online from reputable suppliers like Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals. In a pinch, substitute with extra vanilla extract, though you’ll lose the signature floral note.

How do I prevent my London Fog Cake from becoming soggy? Ensure the cake is completely cool before applying milk soak, and don’t over-soak. The cake should absorb the liquid gradually—if it pools on top, you’ve added too much too quickly.

Is London Fog Cake safe during pregnancy? Earl Grey contains caffeine, though less than coffee. Culinary lavender is generally considered safe in food amounts, but consult your healthcare provider about any dietary concerns during pregnancy.

Can I use decaf Earl Grey in this London Fog Cake? Yes! Decaf Earl Grey works perfectly and maintains all the bergamot flavor characteristics. The cake will be equally delicious for those avoiding caffeine.

Why is my frosting too soft/too stiff? Cream cheese temperature is crucial—it should be cold but not frozen. If too soft, chill the bowl and re-whip. If too stiff, let it come slightly closer to room temperature and re-beat.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about transforming a beloved beverage into an unforgettable dessert, and this London Fog Cake represents everything I love about creative cooking—taking familiar flavors and reimagining them in surprising, delightful ways.

From that first inspired moment in a London café to countless kitchen experiments and the joy of sharing this recipe with fellow food lovers, this cake has become more than just a dessert—it’s a conversation starter, a memory maker, and proof that the best recipes come from following your culinary curiosity.

Ready to create your own London Fog magic? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s make something extraordinary together. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences with this recipe!

Join the FoodFansy community! Over 8,000 home bakers have already fallen in love with this London Fog Cake. Share your creations on social media using #FoodFansyLondonFog—I love seeing your beautiful results and creative variations.

Craving more elegant dessert inspiration? Try my [Classic French Madeleines with Lemon Glaze] or [Earl Grey Chocolate Truffles] for more sophisticated treats that celebrate the art of flavor layering. Each recipe builds on these same principles of quality ingredients and careful technique that make all the difference in your final results.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

London Fog Cake Recipe: Ultimate Tea-Infused Dessert

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 2hours 10minutes
• Yield: 16 slices

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Description

This perfect London fog cake is an extra soft and moist cake flavored with Earl Grey tea and lavender, soaked with sweet Earl Grey lavender milk and frosted with silky lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

For the Earl Grey Cake

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• 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea

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• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender

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• 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

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• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

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• 1/4 tsp baking soda

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• 1/2 tsp salt

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• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened

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• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar

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• 3 eggs, at room temperature

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• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

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• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak

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• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

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• 2 tbsp (8 g) Earl Grey tea

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• 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender

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• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk

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• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

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• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender

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• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened

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• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold

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• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar

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• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

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• purple food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

For the Earl Grey Cake

• Preheat the oven to  350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

• Add the Earl Grey tea and lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to separate any large bits.

• 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea,1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Earl Grey tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then set aside the flour mixture.

• 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

• Add the softened butter and granulated white sugar to a large bowl. Cream together for 2 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed.

• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened,1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar

• Then add in the eggs and vanilla and mix on medium speed until pale in color and smooth, about 1 minute.

• 3 eggs, at room temperature,1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

• Add in the buttermilk and dry ingredients a little bit at a time, mixing on low speed until all is combined and the batter is smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.

• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake for 38-44 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

• Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then pull up on the parchment paper to release it from the pan. Let the cake continue cooling on the cooling rack until completely cooled.

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak

• While the cake cools, work on the Earl Grey milk soak. Add the milk to a small sauce pan and heat over low heat until steaming, then add in the Earl Grey tea and lavender. Allow it to steep for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat. Pass the mixture through a sieve and allow the milk to cool.

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk,2 tbsp (8 g) Earl Grey tea,1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender

• Transfer the Earl Grey milk to a liquid measuring cup or something you can easily pour from. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set aside until ready to use.

• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk,1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

• Add the lavender to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Pass through a sieve to separate any large bits.

• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender

• Add the butter to a large mixing bowl and mix on high speed with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened

• Then add in the cream cheese and mix on high speed until fluffy, about 1 minute.

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold

• Sift in the powdered sugar, and add in the lavender and vanilla. Mix on low speed until combined, then on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy again. Add in purple food coloring and mix until combined.

• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar,1 tsp vanilla bean paste,purple food coloring (optional)

Assembling the Cake

 

• When the cake is completely cooled, cut a very thin layer off the top of the cake off using a sharp knife. This will make it easier for the Earl Grey milk to absorb into the cake. Transfer it to a serving plate. Poke holes on the top of the cake using a wooden stick or the handle of a wooden spoon.

• (I used the handle of a honey dipper for smaller holes.)

• Slowly pour the Earl Grey milk mixture on top of the cake. It is thin so it should absorb into the cake and the poked holes easily, but do be patient as it does.

• Frost the top of the cake with a thick layer of lavender cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula. Then cut into 16 slices and serve!

• Prep Time: 1hour 30minutes
• Cook Time: 40minutes
• Category: Desssert
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: London Fog Cake