London Fog or Earl Grey Tea Cake | Blend of Tea and Sweetness

If you love trying new cakes with unique flavors, the London Fog Cake might be exactly what you’re looking for. Inspired by the popular London Fog drink, this cake brings together the flavors of Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and a little hint of lavender. It’s a comforting yet fancy treat that will surprise your taste buds. Let’s explore how this cake has become a favorite dessert for many and how you can make it yourself!

What is a London Fog Cake?

A London Fog Cake is a cake that’s made with Earl Grey tea and sometimes lavender. The base flavor of the cake comes from the Earl Grey tea, which has a unique taste from the bergamot orange peel that’s added to the tea. The cake is usually paired with a vanilla frosting or buttercream that balances the tea’s slightly bitter taste.

This cake is often compared to the London Fog drink, which is made by mixing Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup. The drink is warm, sweet, and soothing, and the cake version tries to capture all of that in a moist, tender dessert. Some versions of the cake even include a hint of lavender, which adds a floral touch to the flavor, making it even more delightful.

Why Is It Called London Fog Cake?

The name “London Fog” is a reference to the famous drink made with Earl Grey tea, milk, and vanilla. The drink became popular in Canada in the 1990s, and over time, people started turning its flavors into desserts. The London Fog Cake is one of these creations that blends the aromatic Earl Grey tea with the soft creaminess of vanilla and a bit of floral lavender.

The cake shares the same flavors as the drink but adds the wonderful texture and comfort of a cake. Just like the drink, this cake is perfect for cozying up on a cold day with a warm cup of tea.

How to Make a London Fog Cake

Making a London Fog Cake at home is not difficult at all. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious cake that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a simple to follow recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 ½ cups of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds (optional)
• ½ cup of heavy cream (for frosting)
• 2 cups of powdered sugar (for frosting)

Instructions:

1. Steep the Earl Grey Tea: To start, heat up the milk in a pot on the stove. Add the Earl Grey tea leaves to the milk and let it steep for about 10 minutes. This will give the milk the full flavor of the tea. If you’re using tea bags, just add them to the milk and let them sit for the same amount of time. Once the milk is infused with the tea flavor, remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves. Let the milk cool before you use it in the cake batter.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: While the tea is cooling, mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. If you’re using lavender, you can add it to this mixture. Lavender adds a lovely, fragrant touch to the cake, but it’s optional. If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can skip this step.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this. It should take about 3 to 5 minutes of mixing.
4. Add Eggs and Flavor: Next, add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next one. After the eggs, pour in the vanilla extract and the cooled tea-infused milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and baking soda) to the wet mixture. Do this in small portions, alternating with a little more of the milk. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense.

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Pour the cake batter into the pans, dividing it evenly. Bake the cakes for about 30 to 35 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
2. Cool the Cake: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing it in until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. If you want, you can add a little more lavender flavor to the frosting, but this is optional.
4. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. You can decorate the top with a few lavender buds for a nice touch.

Serving Ideas for London Fog Cake

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea. The flavors in the cake complement the tea, creating a perfect combination of warmth and sweetness. If you like, you can add a drizzle of vanilla syrup on top of the cake for extra sweetness. Another idea is to sprinkle lemon zest on the frosting to give it a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich cake.

Variations of the London Fog Cake

While the classic London Fog Cake is delicious on its own, you can try different variations of the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Lavender London Fog Cake: If you enjoy floral flavors, you can increase the amount of lavender in the cake batter and frosting. This will give the cake a stronger lavender taste that complements the Earl Grey tea.
• Citrus Twist: Add some lemon zest to the batter to bring a fresh, tangy flavor to the cake. This works especially well in the frosting as well, where it can add a nice contrast to the creamy, sweet texture.
• Chai London Fog Cake: For those who enjoy spicy flavors, try replacing the Earl Grey tea with chai tea. The spices in chai tea will give the cake a warm, comforting flavor, especially in cooler months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Does London Fog Cake Taste Like?

London Fog Cake has a gentle sweetness with the aromatic flavor of Earl Grey tea. The vanilla frosting balances the slightly bitter tea flavor, and the addition of lavender (if you use it) gives it a unique, floral note. It’s a soothing, comforting cake with an elegant flavor profile.

2. Can I Use Other Teas for This Cake?

Yes! While Earl Grey is the traditional tea for this cake, you can experiment with other teas. For example, chai tea adds a spicy flavor, or green tea provides a more subtle taste. You can also try lavender tea for an even more floral cake.

3. Is London Fog Cake Hard to Make?

Not at all! The cake is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious cake that looks and tastes amazing.

4. Can I Make London Fog Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time! The cake layers can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, just frost the cake and enjoy.

5. Can I Make This Cake Without Lavender?

Yes, you can! While lavender adds a nice touch, it’s not necessary. You can make the cake with just the Earl Grey tea and vanilla frosting, and it will still taste fantastic.

Final Thoughts on London Fog Cake

If you enjoy cakes with a twist and like the taste of Earl Grey tea, then the London Fog Cake is the perfect dessert for you. Its delicate flavors, light texture, and beautiful aroma will make it a favorite among friends and family. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just for yourself, this cake will never disappoint. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea and experience the warmth and comfort it brings!