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London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 78 reviews

This London Fog Cake infused with Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender offers a delicate balance of floral and citrus notes. Featuring a moist, softly crumbed cake soaked in an aromatic tea and lavender milk soak, it is topped with a rich, fluffy lavender cream cheese frosting. Perfect for an elegant afternoon tea or special occasion dessert.

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 for Cake

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

Milk Soak

  • 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. Prepare pan and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
  2. Grind tea and lavender: Pulse the loose leaf Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender in a food processor until finely ground. Sift this mixture through a mesh sieve to remove any large pieces for a smooth batter.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea and lavender mixture, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  4. Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer on high speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for about two minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla bean paste until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the buttermilk and dry ingredients alternately to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  7. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in 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 the milk soak: Heat the whole milk until steaming but not boiling. Steep the Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender in the hot milk for 15 minutes. Strain to remove solids, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste to create a fragrant soak.
  9. Make the lavender frosting: Beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for five minutes until light and creamy. Add cold cream cheese, sifted ground culinary lavender, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Add purple food coloring if desired for visual effect.
  10. Assemble the cake: Trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake to level it. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes evenly across the surface. Slowly pour the milk soak over the cake, allowing it to absorb fully. Finally, spread the lavender cream cheese frosting evenly on top for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality loose leaf Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender.
  • It is important to avoid overmixing the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
  • If you do not have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
  • The floral notes of the lavender can be adjusted to your taste; reduce if you prefer a subtler flavor.
  • Optional purple food coloring enhances the cake’s visual appeal but can be omitted for a more natural look.
  • Ensure the cake is mostly cooled before adding the soak and frosting to prevent melting.

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

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