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London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 143 reviews

This delicate London Fog Cake combines the fragrant flavors of Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender into a moist, flavorful cake topped with a creamy lavender-infused cream cheese frosting. The cake is soaked with a fragrant Earl Grey and lavender milk soak mixed with sweetened condensed milk for added richness, delivering a unique tea-inspired dessert perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp (12 g) loose leaf 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

Wet Ingredients

  • 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened (for cake)
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (for soak)
  • 2 tbsp (8 g) Earl Grey tea (for soak)
  • 1/2 tbsp (1 g) culinary lavender (for soak)
  • 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk (for soak)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (for soak)

Frosting

  • 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender
  • 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz (226 g) cold cream cheese
  • 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • Optional: Purple food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Prepare tea and lavender powder: Pulse the 3 tbsp of loose leaf Earl Grey tea and 1 tbsp culinary lavender in a food processor until you achieve a fine texture. Sift this mixture through a mesh sieve to remove any large pieces for a smooth cake texture.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the ground tea and lavender powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and evenly distributed.
  4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on high speed for approximately two minutes until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the buttermilk alternated with the dry ingredient mix, starting and ending with the buttermilk. Mix just until all ingredients are combined; do not overmix to maintain cake tenderness.
  7. Bake the cake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare milk soak: Heat the whole milk until steaming but not boiling. Add 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender. Let steep for 15 minutes, then strain to remove solids. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste until smooth and combined.
  9. Make lavender frosting: Beat 1 cup softened butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add cold cream cheese, sifted 1 tbsp culinary lavender powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat all ingredients together until smooth and fluffy. Add purple food coloring, if desired, for a subtle hue.
  10. Assemble the cake: Trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake to create a flat surface. Use a skewer or fork to poke holes evenly across the cake surface. Slowly pour the milk soak over the holes, allowing it to absorb fully into the cake. Finally, spread the lavender frosting evenly over the entire cake. Chill if preferred before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
  • The milk soak adds moisture and enhances the Earl Grey flavor; be patient to allow it to absorb fully.
  • The lavender in the frosting can be adjusted based on your flavor preference; start with less if unsure.
  • Optional purple food coloring adds a visual element consistent with lavender but is not necessary.
  • Store the cake refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Keywords: London Fog Cake, Earl Grey Cake, Lavender Cake, Tea Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Earl Grey, Lavender, British Dessert

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/london-fog-cake-with-earl-grey-and-lavender-recipe/