When I first tried the London Fog drink, I immediately fell in love with the delicate notes of Earl Grey tea paired with a touch of creamy sweetness. That moment inspired me to bring those cozy flavors into a dessert, and that’s how this London Fog Cake came to life. It’s not just a cake; it’s a little story of comfort, calm, and indulgence baked into every slice. Each bite carries the familiar aroma of tea, the soft floral hint of lavender, and the rich smoothness of cream cheese frosting. For me, this cake feels like the perfect invitation to slow down and enjoy something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this cake, but let’s start with its texture. The sponge itself is incredibly soft and moist, almost reminding you of a tres leches cake, but with its own unique character. The Earl Grey lavender milk soak seeps gently into the layers, giving them depth without being heavy. Then comes the frosting — smooth, creamy, and balanced by vanilla bean and a floral lavender note. Every element works together to create a dessert that feels indulgent yet light.

Versatile

This recipe fits beautifully into different occasions. Serve it at afternoon tea, as a centerpiece for celebrations, or simply as a treat to enjoy on a quiet day. You can also adapt it by skipping the lavender if you want a more classic Earl Grey flavor, or adjusting the intensity of tea for a stronger or milder taste.

Budget-Friendly

What makes this cake even better is that it doesn’t require anything too fancy. Most ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and a little goes a long way. The recipe yields 16 generous slices, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends without stretching your budget.

Ingredients for London Fog 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

• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

• 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)

  How to Make London Fog Cake

  Creating this cake may look like a long process, but each step is manageable and rewarding. Once you break it down, it becomes an enjoyable routine where the aroma of Earl Grey and lavender fills your kitchen. The results will absolutely be worth the effort.

  Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

  Step 1: Prepare the flavor base
  Start by steeping 3 tablespoons of Earl Grey tea and 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender in hot water or warm milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the flavors become strong and aromatic. Strain the mixture to remove any leaves or petals, keeping the infused liquid aside. This step ensures the cake has a deep and balanced tea flavor.

  Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
  In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them first prevents uneven rising later.

  Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
  In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should look pale and airy, which helps create a tender crumb.

  Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.

  Step 5: Combine wet and dry
  Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, since that could make the cake dense.

  Step 6: Bake the cake
  Divide the batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool slightly in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.

  Step 7: Prepare the soak
  In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of Earl Grey tea, ½ tablespoon of lavender, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, and ½ cup of whole milk. Warm gently until the flavors infuse. Strain the mixture, then let it cool before using.

  Step 8: Soak the cake
  Using a fork or skewer, poke small holes into the cooled cakes. Slowly pour the Earl Grey lavender milk over the layers, allowing it to soak in. This gives the cake its soft, tres leches–inspired texture without being overly wet.

  Step 9: Make the frosting
  Beat 1 cup of softened butter until smooth. Add in the cold cream cheese and beat until creamy. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. For a touch of color, add a small amount of purple food coloring. Mix until smooth and silky.

  Step 10: Assemble the cake
  Spread a generous layer of frosting between the soaked cake layers. Continue stacking and frosting the outside of the cake until it is fully covered. For a clean finish, use an offset spatula to smooth the sides.

  Step 11: Decorate and chill
  If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of culinary lavender or a swirl of food coloring for a delicate effect. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing, so the layers set nicely.

  Quick and Easy

  Although the steps look long, each one flows into the next without complicated techniques. Most of the time is hands-off baking or cooling, which makes this recipe surprisingly easy to manage.

  Customizable

  You can adjust the flavor intensity by steeping the tea longer for a stronger Earl Grey note or reducing the lavender for a subtler taste. The frosting can also be colored or kept natural, depending on the occasion.

  Crowd-Pleasing

  With 16 slices, this cake is ideal for sharing. Whether it’s a birthday, afternoon tea, or just a cozy family dessert, it always draws compliments. Its gentle floral and tea notes make it a sophisticated yet comforting treat that appeals to many palates.

  FAQs

  Can I make this cake in advance?
  Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Keep them wrapped at room temperature. The frosting and soak can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble the cake the next day for the freshest taste.

  Can I skip the lavender?
  Absolutely. If lavender isn’t your favorite, you can leave it out and still enjoy a delicious Earl Grey cake. The floral notes will be softer but still satisfying.

  How do I store leftover cake?
  Once frosted and soaked, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays moist for up to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

  Can I freeze this cake?
  Yes, the unfrosted cake layers freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding the soak and frosting.

  Can I use regular cream instead of cream cheese frosting?
  You can, but the cream cheese frosting gives structure and tanginess that balances the sweetness. If you use whipped cream, the cake may be softer and less stable.

  Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes a stabilizer like xanthan gum for the right texture.

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  London Fog Cake

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  This London Fog Cake brings together the cozy flavors of Earl Grey tea and lavender in an extra soft and moist sponge. Each layer is soaked with a sweet Earl Grey lavender milk and finished with silky lavender vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. The result is a fragrant, elegant cake that feels indulgent yet light.

  • Total Time: 130 minutes
  • Yield: 16 slices 1x

  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  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

  For the 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

  For the 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)

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  Instructions

  • Prepare flavor infusion: Steep 3 tbsp Earl Grey tea and 1 tbsp lavender in hot water or warm milk. Strain and set aside.

  • Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  • Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter with sugar until pale and fluffy.

  • Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla bean paste.

  • Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding flour mixture with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently.

  • Bake: Divide batter into cake pans and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes. Cool slightly, then transfer to a rack.

  • Prepare soak: In a saucepan, combine milk, Earl Grey, lavender, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla. Heat gently, strain, and cool.

  • Soak cake layers: Poke cooled cakes with a fork or skewer, then pour soak mixture evenly over them. Let absorb.

  • Make frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat again. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add purple food coloring if desired.

  • Assemble: Spread frosting between cake layers and cover the cake fully. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

  • Decorate: Add lavender or a swirl of coloring for a delicate finish. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

  Notes

  • Adjust the intensity of Earl Grey by steeping longer or shorter.

  • Skip lavender if you prefer a more classic tea flavor.

  • Frosting should be kept chilled to maintain shape.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 90 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes