Step into the world of delicate tea-time desserts with this London Fog Cake, a tender, ethereal creation infused with aromatics that evoke elegant afternoon moments. The buttery cake crumb is enriched with finely ground Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender, then delicately moistened by a sweet Earl Grey-lavender milk soak. It’s finished with a dreamy lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. Think tres leches with a tea-infused twist—rich, moist, and irresistibly soft.

London Fog Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake delivers a gentle, floral elegance paired with comforting sweetness. The layers of Earl Grey and lavender infuse the cake with fragrant complexity, while the soak ensures every bite stays tender and moist. The silky lavender cream cheese frosting brings the perfect balance of tangy richness and soft floral notes. It’s a dessert that feels upscale yet soothing—great for gatherings or a quiet, cozy treat with tea.

Ingredients

For the Earl Grey Cake
3 tablespoons Earl Grey tea
1 tablespoon culinary lavender
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
1 cup buttermilk

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea
½ tablespoon culinary lavender
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting
1 tablespoon culinary lavender
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, cold
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Purple food coloring (optional)

Directions

For the Earl Grey Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch cake pan.
Grind Earl Grey tea and lavender finely, then sift to remove large bits.
Whisk together flour, ground tea, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Add buttermilk and dry ingredients alternately on low until combined. Pour batter into pan.
Bake 38–44 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a rack to fully cool.

For the Earl Grey Milk Soak

Heat milk until steaming, then steep tea and lavender for 15 minutes. Strain and cool.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Set aside.

For the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Grind lavender finely and sift to remove large bits.
Beat butter until fluffy, then add cream cheese and blend.
Incorporate powdered sugar, lavender, and vanilla. Mix on high until light. Add coloring if desired.

To Assemble

Trim a thin layer off the top of the cake. Poke holes across the surface.
Pour the milk soak slowly, allowing it to absorb.
Frost generously with lavender cream cheese frosting. Slice into 16 and serve.

Variations

Omit lavender for a simpler Earl Grey cake.
Use honey instead of sugar for flavor variation.
Swap cream cheese frosting for vanilla buttercream.
Make it in round pans to layer for a more dramatic presentation.

Heating and Storage

Store assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; flavors deepen over time. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture. You can freeze unfrosted cake (without soak or frosting) for up to 2 months and thaw before assembling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is London Fog Cake?

A tea-infused cake inspired by the London Fog latte, marrying floral Earl Grey and lavender aromas in a moist, tender dessert.

Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf?

Yes, just finely grind the tea contents for even distribution and flavor.

Why is culinary lavender important?

Food-grade lavender is milder and sweeter than varieties used for fragrance, making it ideal for baking. Tasty GustoSerious Eats

What does the milk soak do?

It adds a luscious, tender texture similar to tres leches but maintains structure—infusing flavor throughout. Recipes ValeriaTasty Gusto

Can I use lavender extract instead?

You can, but use sparingly—real flowers provide a subtler, more authentic flavor.

Is it better the next day?

Yes—flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating an even more aromatic cake. Recipes Valeria

How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?

Ensure the cake is fully cooled before soaking and pour the soak slowly to allow proper absorption.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, but the lavender cream cheese adds elegance and balances the floral notes beautifully.

Can it be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute with non-dairy milk and vegan cream cheese, though texture and taste may vary.

What pan size works best?

A 9×9-inch metal pan ensures even baking and soak absorption. Noor BakesRecipes Valeria

Conclusion

This London Fog Cake is a tribute to refined flavors and comfort—moist, fragrant, and elegant. With layers of aromatic Earl Grey, soft lavender hints, and a silky cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect whether you’re savoring a peaceful tea moment or hosting a special gathering. It’s both stunning and nostalgic—worth making whenever you need something beautifully indulgent.

London Fog Cake

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Author: Chef sara
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 16 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This London Fog Cake is a refined treat with tender crumb infused with Earl Grey and lavender, soaked in a sweet tea milk blend, and finished with silky lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. A gorgeous cake that’s both delicate and decadently moist.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch pan.
Grind tea and lavender and sift. Mix with dry ingredients.
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then buttermilk and dry ingredients.
Bake 38–44 minutes and cool.
Steep milk with tea and lavender, strain, cool, mix with condensed milk and vanilla.
Make frosting by creaming butter, then cream cheese, adding sugar, lavender, and vanilla. Tint if desired.
Trim cake top, poke holes, pour soak, then frost. Slice into 16 pieces.

Notes

Full flavor develops after chilling overnight.
Make ahead by baking and soaking, then add frosting when ready.

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Cake, Dessert
Method: Baking and soaking
Cuisine: European/Tea-inspired

London Fog Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients