London Fog Cake Recipe

I love baking a London Fog cake when I want something elegant and comforting at the same time. Inspired by the classic tea latte, this cake blends the delicate flavor of Earl Grey tea with hints of vanilla and citrus, creating a soft and fragrant dessert that feels truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how this cake delivers a unique flavor that isn’t overly sweet. The Earl Grey tea adds a subtle floral note, while the vanilla brings warmth and balance. It’s perfect for tea time, celebrations, or whenever I want a dessert that feels refined but still simple to make.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• Earl Grey tea bags
• milk
• unsalted butter
• granulated sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• orange zest
• powdered sugar
• heavy cream

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F) and preparing my cake pans by greasing and lining them.

Next, I heat the milk until warm and steep the Earl Grey tea bags in it for about 5–10 minutes. Once infused, I remove the tea bags and let the milk cool slightly.

In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

I stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, then gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the infused milk. I mix until just combined.

I divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

After baking, I let the cakes cool completely before preparing the frosting. I whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until soft peaks form.

I assemble the cake by layering the whipped cream between the cake layers and spreading it over the top. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra orange zest for decoration.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 8 to 10 servings from this cake.
Preparation takes around 20 minutes, baking takes 25–30 minutes, and cooling plus assembly adds another 40 minutes, making the total time about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a stronger tea flavor by using more tea bags or steeping longer. For a richer version, I use a buttercream frosting instead of whipped cream. I also like adding a light lavender note for a more floral twist.

storage/reheating

I store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, especially if it has whipped cream frosting. Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best texture. I don’t usually reheat it.

FAQs

What does London Fog flavor taste like?

I find it to be a mix of floral Earl Grey tea, creamy vanilla, and a hint of citrus.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

I often bake the layers a day ahead and assemble the cake the next day.

Can I use loose-leaf tea instead of tea bags?

Yes, I can steep loose-leaf Earl Grey tea and strain it before using.

How do I make the flavor stronger?

I use more tea or let it steep longer in the milk.

Can I freeze this cake?

I freeze the cake layers without frosting, then thaw and assemble when needed.

Conclusion

London Fog cake is one of my favorite desserts when I want something delicate yet flavorful. The combination of tea, vanilla, and citrus creates a beautifully balanced cake that feels both cozy and sophisticated every time I make it.

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