Name: London Fog Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea; 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender; 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; 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar; 3 eggs, at room temperature; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste; 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk; 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk; 2 tbsp (8 g) Earl Grey tea; 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender; 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste; 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender; 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold; 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla bean paste; purple food coloring (optional)

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If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the comfort of a cozy London Fog latte in cake form, this London Fog Cake is your answer. Plush earl grey-infused sponge, a silky lavender cream cheese frosting, and a subtly floral milk soak make every bite elegant but approachable. This cake is a true showstopper at brunches or afternoon gatherings, yet easy enough to whip up for a weeknight treat. The flavors are refined but whimsical, making it the sort of dessert people talk about long after the last crumb disappears. Let’s dive into what makes the London Fog Cake such an unforgettable experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to layer in distinctive flavors, aroma, and that soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. This cake is simple at heart, but each component—tea, lavender, creamy cheese, and rich milk—plays an essential role for that “wow” factor.

Earl Grey tea: The soul of the cake, lending bold, bergamot-perfumed notes that define the London Fog vibe.
Culinary lavender: Adds a unique floral twist—use sparingly for a fragrant, not soapy, accent.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a cake that’s soft and tender, not too dense.
Baking powder & baking soda: Working together for the perfect lift and a fluffy, dreamy cake texture.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the sweet, creamy flavors.
Unsalted butter: Gives the crumb that plush richness; don’t substitute with oil for this cake!
Granulated sugar: For classic sweetness that lets tea and lavender shine.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs give structure and an airy lift—don’t skip this tip.
Vanilla bean paste: Infuses an extra whiff of luxury and warmth—if you need to, pure extract will do.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, making every bite extra moist.
Whole milk: The base for our London Fog milk soak, keeping things rich and traditional.
Sweetened condensed milk: Pours in lusciousness and a caramel-like touch in the milk soak.
Cream cheese: Essential for the decadent tang in our lavender frosting—use it cold for best texture.
Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its cloudlike fluff and gentle sweetness.
Purple food coloring (optional): Makes the cake as pretty as it is delicious—just a dab for a soft lavender hue!

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch light metal baking pan, then line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift out your finished cake. This extra step is your insurance policy against any sticky situations!

Step 2: Infuse and Sift the Earl Grey & Lavender

Pop the Earl Grey tea leaves and culinary lavender into a food processor and pulse until everything is finely ground. Sift through a sieve to catch larger bits; you want a delicate powder that will infuse both flavor and aroma evenly in the crumb. Trust me, this step is what sets a London Fog Cake apart.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, your newly ground tea and lavender mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This brings complete harmony to every bite and ensures even distribution of everything tasty.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Add the softened butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on high for about 2 minutes until it’s pale, fluffy, and irresistible. This is the key for that tender British bakery crumb we adore in a London Fog Cake.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and trickle in your vanilla bean paste, then beat on medium speed. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly pale mixture—about one minute will do. The aroma at this stage is heavenly!

Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry

Add your buttermilk and dry mix in batches, on low speed. Alternate them so everything stays silky and well-blended. Gently scrape down the sides with a spatula to make sure no flour pockets remain. You’re almost there!

Step 7: Bake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 38-44 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes before transferring to finish cooling completely. Patience is worth it—the flavors need to bloom!

Step 8: Steep and Prepare the Milk Soak

While your cake cools, get started on that magic London Fog milk soak. Warm the milk over low heat, then steep with Earl Grey and lavender for 15 minutes, letting the flavors develop. Strain, then stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla paste. Set this luscious mixture aside—it’s about to become the secret to a super-moist cake.

Step 9: Make the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Grind your lavender just like before, and sift. In a bowl, whip the softened butter until pale and fluffy, add cold cream cheese, and beat again until billowy. Sift in powdered sugar, lavender, and vanilla, then whip until light and creamy. For a fun twist, swirl in a tiny bit of purple food coloring. Your frosting will look as dreamy as it tastes!

Step 10: Assemble the London Fog Cake

Once cool, slice a very thin layer from the cake top—this helps the milk soak absorb perfectly. Set on a serving platter, then poke holes in the top with a wooden stick (or handle of a wooden spoon). Pour over the milk soak slowly, giving it time to settle into every nook. Finish with a generous spread of your lavender cream cheese frosting, cut into 16 gorgeous slices, and serve!

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Garnishes

Scatter a little extra culinary lavender or edible flowers over the top for drama and scent, or sprinkle finely chopped Earl Grey leaves for a grown-up touch. A dusting of powdered sugar or some fresh berries will also look beautiful and complement the elegant flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with hot tea—think a classic Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or a floral white tea. For something heartier, add a bowl of fresh berries, a citrus salad, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if you want to turn it into a showstopping dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your London Fog Cake into dainty tea party slices, assemble it as a layer cake for a dramatic centerpiece, or cut into small squares and serve in cupcake papers for a modern twist. You can even make mini cakes by baking in individual ramekins for personalized treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your London Fog Cake moist and flavorful, cover leftover pieces tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays lovely and tender for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze unfrosted or frosted slices individually. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and keep in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake a little warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds after thawing. This gently softens the crumb and brings the London Fog flavors back to life—just don’t overheat, especially if it’s frosted.

FAQs

Can I use regular tea instead of Earl Grey?

Earl Grey is essential for that iconic London Fog flavor, but if you really can’t source it, try another fragrant black tea with a hint of citrus—just know the unique twist will be missing.

Is the lavender flavor overpowering?

Not at all! Used in measured amounts, it adds a gentle, floral freshness that feels fancy but still approachable. Too much can be soapy, so don’t go overboard and measure carefully.

Can I make this as a layer cake?

Absolutely! Just bake in two smaller cake pans, divide and stack with plenty of frosting and milk soak between layers. This makes for a real British-style celebration centerpiece.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem: add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup whole milk, let it sit for five minutes, then use as you would buttermilk for the right tang and tenderness in your London Fog Cake.

Can I skip the milk soak?

For the most classic moistness and true London Fog Cake experience, don’t skip it—but if you must, you’ll still have a tasty cake, just with a slightly firmer crumb.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cake is everything I love about baking: nostalgic, a little bit fancy, and crammed with comforting, memorable flavors. If you’re looking for something to wow your friends or treat yourself, trust me—this is the cake you need to try. Pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy every blissful bite!