Indulge in this extra soft and moist London Fog Cake, perfectly infused with Earl Grey tea and lavender. Each slice is soaked with a sweet Earl Grey-lavender milk and topped with a silky lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. The result? A decadent, aromatic cake with a tender crumb and irresistible flavor—a tea lover’s dream!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: Finely ground Earl Grey tea, culinary lavender, and vanilla bean paste work together in a tender cake made with creamed butter, eggs, and buttermilk for the fluffiest bite.
- Tea Milk Soak: A small punch of sweetened condensed milk and steeped Earl Grey tea and lavender infuses the cake with deep flavor, almost like a lightly soaked tres leches.
- Lavender Vanilla Bean Frosting: Silky cream cheese frosting flavored with finely ground lavender and vanilla bean paste adds a delicate floral sweetness that perfectly complements the tea-infused cake.
Ingredients
For the Earl Grey Cake
- 3 tbsp (12 g) Earl Grey tea
- 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
- 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
- 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 sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
Earl Grey Milk Soak
- 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
Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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)
Instructions
1. Make the Earl Grey Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light-colored metal pan and line with parchment paper.
- Grind the Earl Grey tea and lavender in a food processor until fine. Sift to remove large pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ground tea-lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk on low speed until just combined. Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 38–44 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Earl Grey Milk Soak
- Heat milk over low heat until steaming. Add Earl Grey tea and lavender; steep 15 minutes.
- Strain and mix with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla paste. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting
- Grind lavender finely and sift.
- Whip butter until pale and fluffy. Add cream cheese and continue to beat until smooth.
- Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and ground lavender. Add food coloring if desired, and whip until fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Trim a thin layer off the top of the cake to allow the milk soak to absorb evenly.
- Poke holes across the surface with a wooden handle or honey dipper. Slowly pour the milk soak over the cake.
- Frost generously with lavender cream cheese frosting. Slice into 16 pieces and serve.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps the cake achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Measuring Flour: Use a digital scale for accuracy. Avoid scooping with cups.
- Baking Pan: A light-colored metal pan ensures even baking.
- Lavender & Earl Grey: Use real dried lavender buds for a stronger floral note. Vanilla bean paste delivers more depth than extract.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
This London Fog Cake is perfect for afternoon tea, special celebrations, or when you simply want a cake that’s fragrant, moist, and irresistibly soft. Serve with a cup of Earl Grey and enjoy every luxurious bite!