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London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

This London Fog Cake infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender offers a fragrant, floral twist on a classic dessert. The moist cake is soaked with a chilled Earl Grey and lavender milk soak and topped with a creamy lavender frosting enhanced with cream cheese, providing a delicate balance of flavors perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Tea and Lavender Mixture

  • 3 tbsp (12 g) loose leaf Earl Grey tea
  • 1 tbsp (2 g) culinary lavender

Dry Ingredients

  • 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

Cake Batter

  • 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

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 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
  2. Prepare Tea and Lavender Mixture: Pulse 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1 tbsp culinary lavender in a food processor until ground finely. Sift this mixture through a mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces and incorporate the fine blend into the flour for an even distribution of flavor.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the ground tea and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer on high speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for approximately two minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, which aerates the batter.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by the vanilla bean paste for fragrance and taste. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: On low speed, alternate adding the buttermilk and dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Milk Soak: Heat whole milk until steaming and steep 2 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1/2 tbsp culinary lavender for 15 minutes. Strain out the solids, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste to create a fragrant soak that will infuse the cake with moisture and flavor.
  9. Make Lavender Frosting: Beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add cold cream cheese, sifted 1 tbsp lavender (ground), powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add purple food coloring if desired for a visual touch.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake to level it. Poke holes evenly across the cake surface using a skewer or fork. Pour the prepared milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Finally, spread the lavender frosting over the soaked cake for a beautiful and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and tender.
  • If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, increase the lavender quantity slightly in the soak and frosting.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
  • Optional purple food coloring can be added to frosting for aesthetic appeal but does not affect flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British-inspired

Keywords: London Fog Cake, Earl Grey Cake, Lavender Cake, Tea Infused Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Afternoon Tea Dessert, Floral Cake

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