“The warm, comforting notes of Earl Grey tea elevate this cake into a delightful masterpiece!”
The London Fog Cake is my new go-to for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence during a quiet evening. As someone who loves the elegance of tea-infused desserts, I found this recipe not only simple but utterly delightful. Picture a tender, fluffy cake infused with the aromatic flavors of Earl Grey, perfect for any occasion. With a vanilla buttercream frosting to seal the deal, this cake creates a memorable experience!
Table of Contents
Why Should You Try This London Fog Cake Now?
When you crave something cozy and comforting, the London Fog Cake is a must-try! This recipe beautifully merges the sophistication of Earl Grey tea with the simplicity of a classic cake, making it perfect for fall gatherings or intimate family dinners. Its light texture, coupled with the soothing fragrance of tea, makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore unique flavor combinations. Try it alongside a cup of your favorite apple cinnamon sheet cake for a delightful tea party experience!
What Makes This London Fog Cake Unique?
This recipe stands out from traditional cakes by incorporating Earl Grey tea, infusing every slice with its distinct flavor profile. The floral notes combined with hints of bergamot provide a sophisticated touch that’s often missing from typical cake recipes. The creaminess of the butter and the light sweetness of the sugar create a perfect balance. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a touch of lemon zest to complement the tea. You could also enjoy this cake with a fresh batch of tea-infused cupcakes like my easy holiday puppy chow.
Why the Ingredients Define Its Character
Each ingredient serves a purpose in crafting the overall texture and flavor of the cake. All-purpose flour gives structure, while granulated sugar ensures sweetness without overpowering the delicate tea taste. Butter adds richness, and eggs help achieve that fluffy rise. Apart from its delightful flavor, Earl Grey tea is rich in antioxidants, making it a healthful indulgence.
Special Techniques for Perfecting Your Cake
The technique of alternating between the dry and wet ingredients ensures that you don’t overmix your batter, which can lead to a dense cake. The key is to mix until just combined, yielding the perfect light, airy texture. Letting the tea cool slightly before mixing prevents it from cooking the eggs in the batter, maintaining a fluffy consistency.
What Extra Flavor Pairs Well with this Cake?
For those wishing to elevate flavor further, I recommend adding a light citrus note, such as lemon zest. The brightness of the citrus naturally complements the floral undertones without overshadowing them. This unique paired flavor allows for a dynamic tasting experience. You can also explore serving it with a touch of honey or a drizzle of simple syrup for extra sweetness.
What Ingredients Should I Prepare for the London Fog Cake?
To make this delicious cake, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Earl Grey tea bags (steeped) | 2 bags in 1 cup of boiling water |
While each ingredient contributes to the overall delightful flavor, the choice of butter matters too! Opting for high-quality unsalted butter makes a difference in taste and texture. You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a hint of caramel, while maple syrup could stand in for some of the sugar if you prefer a richer body.
How Do I Make the London Fog Cake Step-by-Step?
This cake is not only flavorful but relatively easy to assemble. Here’s how you can create the perfect London Fog Cake:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two round cake pans. This step is essential to ensure that the cakes release easily once baked!
Step 2: Brew the Earl Grey Tea
In a small pot, boil water and steep the two Earl Grey tea bags for five minutes. Once steeped, set aside to cool slightly. This step helps preserve the flavor depth in your cake!
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed within the flour for an even rise!
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the cooled Earl Grey tea, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a light and fluffy cake!
Step 6: Bake Your Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the enchanting scents of tea and vanilla!
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your choice of vanilla buttercream or any cream frosting you love.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Cooling Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 25-30 minutes | 40 minutes |
How Can I Customize the London Fog Cake?
The beauty of the London Fog cake is its versatility! You can easily tailor your cake to fit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Diet Swap: Is this Cake Gluten-Free?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the structure! For those avoiding dairy, consider using a vegan butter substitute.
Flavor Variation: How Can I Make It Unique?
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider infusing the frosting with lavender to pay homage to the floral notes in Earl Grey. Additionally, adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the batter adds a warm, spicy note making it even more welcoming during fall! Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate pairs beautifully with this cake to create a thematic treat for your party.
Serving Idea: How Can I Serve My Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a side of whipped cream or served alongside a fresh fruit sauce, like raspberry or blueberry coulis. A warm cup of Earl Grey tea is the perfect companion to enhance the cake experience, resulting in a harmonious tea time!
| Suggested Pairings |
|---|
| Raspberry Coulis |
| Whipped Cream |
| Lemon Zest Drizzle |
Final Thoughts on This London Fog Cake
The London Fog Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience to be savored. It’s perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home with a favorite cup of tea. Whether you celebrate fall or simply love a good slice of cake, this recipe adds warmth to your culinary endeavors. Remember, like all sweet creations, sharing is caring. Be sure to share your delightful confections on social media and inspire others too!
Before diving into the kitchen, don’t forget, baking can also be about experimenting and personalizing a recipe. I encourage you to make this cake your own! For more delightful recipes, check out my Pinterest page here!
FAQ
Can I use green tea instead of Earl Grey?
While you can substitute with green tea, the flavor profile will be different. Earl Grey has a distinctive taste due to the bergamot oil, which makes this cake unique. If you decide to use green tea, consider enhancing the flavor with additional spices or sweeteners.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! While vanilla buttercream is a classic choice, you can experiment with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a lemon glaze to complement the flavors of the cake.
How should I store leftover cake?
To keep your cake fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can last for about 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Frost right before serving to ensure the best texture.
What’s the best way to ensure a fluffy cake?
Be careful not to overmix your batter! Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Also, make sure your butter is softened properly to create the right amount of air in the batter.
London Fog Cake
A delightful, fluffy cake infused with the comforting flavors of Earl Grey tea, topped with vanilla buttercream frosting.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Earl Grey tea bags, steeped in 1 cup of boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a small pot, boil water and steep the Earl Grey tea bags for five minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the cooled Earl Grey tea, mixing only until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your choice of vanilla buttercream.
Notes
For added flavor, consider infusing the frosting with lavender or adding lemon zest to the cake. This recipe can be made gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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