Pin it This elegant British-style layer cake transforms the beloved London Fog latte into a stunning dessert. Earl Grey tea and dried lavender are steeped into warm milk, creating a fragrant infusion that permeates each tender vanilla cake layer. The result is a beautifully aromatic confection with delicate floral notes and the distinctive bergamot citrus flavor of Earl Grey.
A luscious vanilla bean frosting bridges the layers and enrobes the entire creation, while optional dried lavender buds and fresh lemon zest provide a sophisticated finish. Perfect for afternoon tea, special celebrations, or whenever you crave something refined and comforting.
The first time I tasted a London Fog latte, I was huddled in a tiny café in Vancouver, watching rain streak against the window. Something about that bergamot warmth made me wonder if those same comforting flavors could live in a cake. Now this recipe has become my go-to whenever I need something that feels like a cozy sweater in dessert form.
I made this for my sisters birthday last winter, and she literally stopped mid conversation after her first bite. The whole table went quiet for a moment. Thats when I knew this wasnt just a cake, it was a memory maker.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: Infusing the dairy carries the Earl Grey and lavender flavor throughout every crumb
- Earl Grey tea bags: Use quality tea bags since the bergamot oil is the star of the show
- Dried culinary lavender: A little goes a long way, so measure carefully but dont be afraid of it
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb tender and delicate
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is nonnegotiable for proper aeration
- Vanilla bean paste: Those tiny black specks make everything feel more special
Instructions
- Steep the milk:
- Heat the milk until it lets off steam but never reaches a boil. Add the tea bags and lavender, cover, and let them work their magic for 15 minutes.
- Prep your pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- Beat the butter and sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each one fully incorporate before adding the next.
- Combine everything:
- Add the vanilla, then alternate adding the flour mixture and tea milk in three parts, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the layers:
- Divide batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the cake:
- Layer the cakes with frosting between each, then frost the top and sides.
Pin it This cake has served as a centerpiece at so many meaningful gatherings. Its become my way of saying I care without having to say anything at all.
Making It Ahead
The cake layers actually benefit from sitting wrapped in the fridge overnight. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes more moist and forgiving. Frosted cakes keep beautifully for three days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair each slice with a freshly steamed London Fog latte for the ultimate cozy experience. The bergamot in the cake echoes the tea in your cup, and its just lovely.
Decoration Ideas
A light dusting of dried lavender buds and fresh lemon zest makes this cake feel like it came from a fancy bakery. Keep it simple though. Sometimes less decoration lets the flavors speak louder.
- Press lavender buds gently into the frosting so they adhere
- Add lemon zest right before serving for maximum brightness
- Consider edible flowers for a truly stunning presentation
Pin it There is something so special about serving a cake that tastes like a comforting moment. Hope this becomes your new favorite way to share warmth.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this a London Fog cake?
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The combination of Earl Grey tea and lavender replicates the signature flavors found in a London Fog latte. The tea's distinctive bergamot citrus notes paired with delicate lavender create the same aromatic profile in cake form.
- → Can I make this cake in advance?
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Yes, the cake layers can be baked and wrapped tightly up to two days ahead. Store at room temperature. The frosted assembled cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- → How can I intensify the tea flavor?
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Steep the milk with an additional Earl Grey tea bag, extend steeping time to 20 minutes, or use high-quality loose-leaf Earl Grey instead of tea bags. You can also add a teaspoon of finely ground tea leaves directly to the flour mixture.
- → Is culinary lavender essential for this cake?
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While lavender contributes to the authentic London Fog profile, you can omit it if preferred and rely solely on Earl Grey. Alternatively, substitute with a few drops of food-grade lavender oil, using sparingly as it's quite potent.
- → What size pans work best for this recipe?
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Three 8-inch round pans yield the ideal layer height. If you only have two 9-inch pans, the baking time may decrease slightly and you'll have two thicker layers to split horizontally. Three 6-inch pans create a taller, more dramatic tiered cake.
- → Can I use different frosting flavors?
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The vanilla bean frosting complements the tea and lavender beautifully, but you could create a honey buttercream or incorporate lemon curd between layers for added brightness. Just keep the frosting flavors subtle so they don't overpower the delicate Earl Grey.
