Ah, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite treats in the kitchen: London Fog Cake! This delightful dessert is like a hug in cake form, combining the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender frosting. I first stumbled upon this gem at a quaint little café while sipping my afternoon tea, and I was immediately smitten. Those layers of fluffy cake, lightly infused with tea, paired with a floral, melt-in-your-mouth frosting had me daydreaming about it ever since.
Every time I bake this cake, it feels like I’m bringing a piece of that charming café right into my kitchen. The aroma of Earl Grey wafting through the house is enough to make me feel all cozy inside, and let me tell you, it’s an instant mood lifter! Plus, the subtle lavender notes in the frosting make it seem extra special, perfect for celebrations or simply to brighten up a regular Tuesday. So, let’s dive into this enchanting recipe, shall we?
What’s in London Fog Cake?
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cake, giving it structure. I recommend using a good quality flour to ensure the best results.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are our leavening agents that help the cake rise beautifully. They’re key to achieving that fluffy texture!
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances the other flavors in our cake and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for that rich flavor and tender crumb. I love using Kerrygold for its amazing taste!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps in creating that fluffy, airy texture we’re after.
Eggs: They provide moisture and stability to the cake. Fresh eggs always make a difference in taste!
Vanilla Extract: A tried and true flavor booster! It adds depth and warmth to our cake.
Milk: Milk brings moisture to the batter. I prefer whole milk for added richness.
Earl Grey Tea Leaves: The star ingredient! You can use loose leaves for a more pronounced flavor or just pop in two tea bags if that’s what you have on hand.
Culinary Lavender: This is what makes the frosting deliciously fragrant. Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender as not all lavender is edible!
Powdered Sugar: This transforms the butter into a fluffy frosting that spreads like a dream.
Fresh Lavender Sprigs and Edible Flowers: These make for a gorgeous garnish! They’re not only pretty but can intensify the flavor too.
Is London Fog Cake Good for You?
Now, I won’t kid you—this cake isn’t a health food by any stretch of the imagination. But, let’s talk about some of the ingredients!
Earl Grey Tea: It contains antioxidants that can be beneficial for your health. Who knew tea could be a part of dessert guilt-free?
Lavender: It’s been known to have calming and soothing properties. A slice of this cake can serve as a relaxing treat!
On the flip side, the sugar and butter content might make you want to save this cake for special occasions rather than everyday snacking. Moderation is key, friends!
Ingredients List
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
For the Lavender Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1-2 tsp dried culinary lavender, ground (or lavender extract)
– Purple food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
– Fresh lavender sprigs
– Edible flowers (optional)
Serves: About 12 squares.
How to Make London Fog Cake?
1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This is a must to prevent sticking!
2. **Prepare the cake mix**: In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm, then steep those lovely Earl Grey tea leaves for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly—this ensures maximum flavor infusion!
3. **Dry ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine everything evenly.
4. **Cream the butter and sugar**: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—you want to aerate it for a delightful texture. Add the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Combine mixtures**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the tea-infused milk. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. We want a soft and tender crumb!
6. **Bake the cake**: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
7. **Prepare the frosting**: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and ground lavender. Mix until smooth and fluffy—adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary. If you want that pretty lavender hue, now’s the time for the food coloring!
8. **Frost the cake**: Once the cake is completely cooled (patience is a virtue!), spread that decadent lavender frosting evenly on top.
9. **Garnish**: Decorate with fresh lavender sprigs and edible flowers for that extra touch of elegance!
10. **Serve**: Cut the cake into squares and enjoy alongside a nice cup of tea, just like your favorite London café!
Sweet Suggestions for Enjoying
Whether you serve this cake at a tea party, a birthday gathering, or just for a special quiet moment with yourself, it’s sure to impress! If you want to add a little more zing, try pairing it with a side of lemon curd or a dollop of whipped cream. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors—swap out the lavender for lemon zest or even a hint of rose water if you’re feeling adventurous!
I truly hope you give this delightful London Fog Cake a try because, I can promise you, it will not disappoint! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a simple treat, you’ll want to savor every bite. And hey, if you do make it, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
