London Fog Cake: A Delicious Recipe and Baking Guide

London Fog Cake: Just the name evokes images of cozy afternoons, steaming mugs, and the comforting embrace of Earl Grey tea. But what if you could capture that feeling in a slice of cake? This isn’t just any cake; it’s a delicate dance of bergamot and vanilla, a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a charming London tea room with every bite.

The “London Fog” drink, a relatively modern invention, typically consists of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. While its exact origins are debated, it’s widely believed to have originated in Vancouver, Canada, in the 1990s. The drink quickly gained popularity for its soothing warmth and sophisticated flavor profile, and it was only a matter of time before someone brilliant decided to translate that experience into a delectable dessert.

What makes this London Fog Cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors. The subtle bitterness of the Earl Grey tea is beautifully complemented by the creamy sweetness of the vanilla buttercream frosting. The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, and the bergamot notes add a touch of citrusy brightness that keeps it from being overly rich. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it the perfect treat for a special occasion or a simple afternoon indulgence. I promise, this London Fog Cake will become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Earl Grey Infused Milk:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 Earl Grey tea bags
• For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Earl Grey infused milk (from above)
• For the Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup Earl Grey infused milk (from above)
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• Pinch of salt
• For the Drizzle (Optional):
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons Earl Grey infused milk (from above)

Earl Grey Infused Milk Preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of whole milk and the 4 Earl Grey tea bags.
2. Heat the milk over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer. Do not boil! You just want it hot enough to infuse the milk with the Earl Grey flavor.
3. Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tea bags steep in the milk for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for a stronger Earl Grey flavor. The longer it steeps, the more pronounced the flavor will be. I usually go for the full hour!
4. After steeping, remove the tea bags and discard them. Squeeze any excess milk from the tea bags before discarding to get every last bit of flavor.
5. Let the infused milk cool completely before using it in the cake and frosting. You can even make this a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to measure out the correct amounts for the cake and frosting before storing.

Cake Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds for extra insurance against sticking. I find this helps the cakes release perfectly every time.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will result in a more evenly risen cake.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to emulsify the batter and prevent it from curdling.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Earl Grey infused milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. So, add about a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the milk, then another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining milk, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting.

Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
3. Add the Earl Grey infused milk, vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract), and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
4. Continue to beat the frosting for another 2-3 minutes until it is light and airy. This will help to create a smooth and spreadable frosting.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary. Use a serrated knife to trim off any domed tops so that the cakes are flat and even. This will make stacking and frosting the cake much easier.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
3. Spread a generous layer of vanilla bean buttercream frosting over the top of the cake layer.
4. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
5. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting. You can create a smooth finish or a more textured look, depending on your preference. I like to use an offset spatula to create a smooth finish, but you can also use a spoon or knife to create a more rustic look.
6. If desired, make the Earl Grey drizzle by whisking together the powdered sugar and Earl Grey infused milk in a small bowl until smooth. The consistency should be thin enough to drizzle but not too runny.
7. Drizzle the Earl Grey glaze over the top of the cake.
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• Stronger Earl Grey Flavor: For a more intense Earl Grey flavor, you can add a tablespoon of loose leaf Earl Grey tea to the dry ingredients. Just make sure to grind it finely in a spice grinder or food processor before adding it to the flour.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the cake batter for a bright and citrusy twist. This complements the Earl Grey flavor beautifully.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips to the cake batter for a decadent treat.
• Different Frosting: If you’re not a fan of buttercream, you can use a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze instead.
• Cake Flour: For an even more tender cake, substitute 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy your delicious London Fog Cake!

Conclusion:

This London Fog Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The delicate bergamot infusion, the moist crumb, and the creamy Earl Grey buttercream combine to create a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy London tea room. It’s a cake that’s both sophisticated and comforting, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a little self-care. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast or anyone who appreciates the subtle elegance of Earl Grey tea.

But why is it a must-try? Because it’s more than just a cake; it’s a conversation starter. It’s a unique and unexpected flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is simply divine!

And the best part? You can easily customize it to your liking! For a more intense Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea bags in the milk for a longer period. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or the buttercream. You could even add a layer of lemon curd for a bright and tangy contrast to the rich Earl Grey flavor.

Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your London Fog Cake experience:

* Serve it with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, of course! The tea will complement the cake’s flavors and create a truly immersive experience.
* Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
* Garnish with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a pop of color and flavor.
* Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
* For a more decadent treat, drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce.

Looking for variations? Consider these ideas:

* London Fog Cupcakes: Adapt the recipe to make individual cupcakes for a party or a grab-and-go treat.
* London Fog Loaf Cake: Bake the batter in a loaf pan for a more casual and rustic presentation.
* London Fog Cake Pops: Crumble the baked cake, mix it with buttercream, and roll it into cake pops for a fun and festive treat.
* London Fog Trifle: Layer the cake with custard, whipped cream, and berries in a trifle bowl for a show-stopping dessert.
* Vegan London Fog Cake: Substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I poured my heart into perfecting it, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be intimidated by the name; it’s a surprisingly simple cake to bake, and the results are truly rewarding. The subtle bergamot and Earl Grey notes create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant.

So, go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delicious baking adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences. Tag me on social media and let me know what you think. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see your beautiful London Fog Cake creations! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you tried any variations!

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