London Fog Cake with Earl Grey & Lavender (Printable)
Delicate aromatic layers infused with Earl Grey and lavender, topped with creamy vanilla bean frosting
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Earl Grey Lavender Cake
01 - 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
02 - 3 Earl Grey tea bags
03 - 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
04 - 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
05 - 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
08 - 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
09 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
→ For the Vanilla Bean Frosting
11 - 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
12 - 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 tbsp whole milk
14 - 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
15 - Pinch of salt
→ For Decoration (Optional)
16 - Dried lavender buds
17 - Lemon zest
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a small saucepan, heat the milk until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat. Add Earl Grey tea bags and lavender; cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
05 - Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract.
06 - With the mixer on low, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the cooled tea-infused milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
07 - Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
08 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
10 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, and salt; beat until fluffy and smooth.
11 - To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
12 - Decorate with dried lavender buds and lemon zest if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The Earl Grey infusion gives each bite that distinctive citrusy floral note that makes London Fogs so addictive
- Lavender adds this sophisticated whisper of flavor that makes people ask whats your secret
- Vanilla bean frosting balances all the floral notes with creamy sweetness
02 -
- Let the infused milk cool completely before adding it to the batter or the butter will seize
- Overmixing once the flour is added will make the layers tough
- The lavender flavor gets stronger overnight, so bake at least a day ahead if possible
03 -
- Weigh the flour instead of scooping for consistent results every time
- Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and ensure even baking