London Fog Cake

This London Fog Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of Earl Grey tea and lavender. Perfect for tea parties, celebrations, or simply indulging yourself, this cake offers a unique flavor profile that will leave your guests asking for seconds. With its soft texture and luxurious frosting, it’s an unforgettable treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of Earl Grey tea and lavender creates a distinct taste that sets this cake apart.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the soaking process with Earl Grey lavender milk, each slice is incredibly moist and full of flavor.
• Versatile for Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or afternoon tea gatherings.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The optional purple food coloring adds a lovely hue that makes this cake visually appealing.
• Simple Ingredients: With common ingredients, you can easily whip up this show-stopping dessert without any hassle.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious London Fog Cake, having the right tools will streamline the process. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans (9-inch round)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth mixing of batter and frosting, saving time and effort.
• Baking pans: The right size helps achieve even baking for a perfectly shaped cake.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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Ingredients

For this delectable London Fog Cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 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

For the Soaking Milk

• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender

For the Frosting

• 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)

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Infuse Your Milk

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup of buttermilk and whole milk with 2 tablespoons of Earl Grey tea and ½ tablespoon of culinary lavender. Heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let steep for about 15 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove tea leaves and lavender.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla Bean Paste

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix in vanilla bean paste until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the infused milk mixture. Begin with dry ingredients; mix until just combined after each addition.

Step 7: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Soaking Milk

In a small bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk with remaining vanilla bean paste. Gently fold in culinary lavender.

Step 9: Soak Cakes

Once cooled, poke holes in each layer using a skewer or fork. Spoon soaking milk over both layers evenly. Let them absorb while preparing frosting.

Step 10: Make Frosting

Beat softened butter with cold cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by vanilla bean paste. If desired, mix in purple food coloring until you achieve your preferred shade.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting over it before adding the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake generously with remaining frosting.

Now enjoy every slice of your delightful London Fog Cake!

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Serving your London Fog Cake is an opportunity to enhance its delightful flavors. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this exquisite dessert.

Pair with a Hot Beverage

• Earl Grey Tea: Complement the cake’s flavors with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a full sensory experience.
• Chamomile Tea: The calming notes of chamomile provide a gentle contrast to the cake’s richness.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to add a pop of color and tartness.
• Sliced Peaches: Juicy peach slices can bring a refreshing sweetness that pairs well with the floral notes of the cake.

Garnish Creatively

• Edible Flowers: Decorate your cake with edible flowers to enhance its aesthetic appeal and add a touch of elegance.
• Lavender Sprigs: A few lavender sprigs can accentuate the cake’s flavor while making it visually appealing.

How to Perfect London Fog Cake

Perfecting your London Fog Cake involves attention to detail in both preparation and baking. Follow these tips for outstanding results.

• Bold Use of Ingredients: Ensure you use high-quality Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender for the best flavor infusion.
• Bold Temperature Control: Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smooth batter.
• Bold Sifting Flour: Sift the flour before measuring to prevent a dense cake and achieve a lighter texture.
• Bold Timing on Soaking: Allow the cake to soak in the Earl Grey lavender milk mixture until fully absorbed for maximum moisture.
• Bold Cooling Method: Cool the cake layers completely on wire racks before frosting; this prevents melting the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for London Fog Cake

Pairing side dishes with your London Fog Cake can enhance its unique flavors. Here are some delightful options that complement its taste.

1. Whipped Cream: A classic choice, fresh whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness that balances the floral tones of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich vanilla ice cream provides creamy decadence, making each bite even more indulgent.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cake.
4. Lemon Sorbet: The zesty flavor of lemon sorbet offers a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
5. Chocolate Mousse: Silky chocolate mousse adds depth, creating an exciting balance between chocolate and floral notes.
6. Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats enhance texture and add a tropical flair that complements the lavender nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your London Fog Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and flour. Stale ingredients can ruin the texture and flavor of your cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine your ingredients until just incorporated for a light, fluffy texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is correctly calibrated. An oven that’s too hot or cold can affect the baking time and outcome of your cake.
• Ignoring room temperature eggs: Using cold eggs can make it difficult for them to incorporate smoothly into the batter. Always bring them to room temperature before use.
• Not measuring flour properly: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This helps prevent using too much flour, which can make the cake dry.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before covering to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing London Fog Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months before the best quality decreases.

Reheating London Fog Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap slices in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes, ensuring it warms evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making the London Fog Cake, you’re in the right place!

What is a London Fog Cake?

A London Fog Cake is a delightful dessert that features flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender, creating a soft and moist cake soaked with sweet milk.

How do I know when my London Fog Cake is done?

Check if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. This indicates that it’s fully baked.

Can I customize my London Fog Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors by adjusting the tea or adding citrus zest for extra brightness.

How should I serve my London Fog Cake?

It’s delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flair.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cake is not only soft and moist but also bursting with delightful flavors that are sure to impress anyone who tries it. Its versatility allows for countless customization options, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; you might just find yourself making it again and again!