London Fog Cake: A Soft, Elegant Earl Grey Dessert for Tea Lovers

If you’re a fan of warm, cozy flavors and sophisticated desserts, the London Fog Cake is about to become your new baking obsession. Inspired by the beloved London Fog latte—a comforting blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and subtle vanilla—this cake transforms those soothing flavors into a tender, aromatic dessert with irresistible elegance. With earl grey–infused sponge layers and silky vanilla–earl grey buttercream, each bite melts softly on the tongue like a warm sip of your favorite tea.

The London Fog Cake is the perfect choice for celebrations, afternoon tea parties, birthdays, bridal showers, Mother’s Day, or simply as a peaceful weekend baking project. Its delicate structure and fragrant flavor profile make it feel both luxurious and effortless, offering a timeless dessert experience that everyone can appreciate.

This comprehensive recipe guide walks you through every detail—ingredients, instructions, decorating ideas, tips, flavor variations, storage, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just stepping into the world of homemade cakes, this London Fog Cake ensures beautiful, bakery-style results every time.

---

The Story Behind London Fog Cake

The traditional London Fog latte was created in the Pacific Northwest and quickly became a staple in cafés across the world. Its flavor combination—Earl Grey tea, vanilla, milk, and often just a hint of lavender—makes it soothing but sophisticated. Translating these flavors into a cake was a natural evolution for bakers, resulting in a dessert that is at once familiar and elevated.

What makes this cake unique is its infusion method: warm milk steeped with Earl Grey tea creates a velvety, aromatic base that flavors both the sponge and the frosting. Unlike citrus-forward desserts or heavily spiced cakes, a London Fog Cake carries subtlety. Its flavors unfold slowly—bergamot citrus, creamy vanilla, and floral notes—giving it a refined presence worthy of special occasions.

---

Ingredients

For the Earl Grey Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 4 bags Earl Grey tea (or 2 tablespoons loose-leaf)

For the London Fog Frosting

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags steeped in warm cream (or 1 tablespoon loose leaf)

Optional Decoration

• Edible flowers
• Loose Earl Grey tea
• Lavender buds
• Thin lemon slices

---

Instructions

1. Infuse the Milk

Warm the milk until steaming (not boiling). Add Earl Grey tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Cool completely. This infused milk is what gives your cake its signature London Fog flavor.

2. Prepare the Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.
Stir in vanilla.
Add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with Earl Grey milk until batter is smooth.

3. Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Frosting

Warm heavy cream slightly and steep Earl Grey tea for 5–7 minutes. Let cool.
Beat butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Mix in vanilla and Earl Grey cream until frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

5. Assemble

Level cakes if necessary.
Spread frosting between layers, then frost the outside.
Decorate with Earl Grey tea, flowers, or lemon if desired.

---

Baking Tips for a Perfect London Fog Cake

Infuse for maximum flavor

The longer the tea steeps (without turning bitter), the stronger the flavor.

Use room-temperature ingredients

This guarantees smooth batter and even baking.

Don’t overmix

Once flour is added, mix gently to keep your crumb soft.

Chill before slicing

Cold cakes slice more cleanly with less crumbling.

Add lavender sparingly

If using lavender, a pinch is enough—it’s potent and can overpower the bergamot.

---

Flavor Variations

Lavender London Fog Cake

Add ½ teaspoon culinary lavender to the milk infusion.

Citrus Earl Grey Cake

Add lemon zest to the batter for brighter notes.

Chocolate London Fog Cake

Add cocoa powder and melt-in chocolate for a rich London Fog twist.

Honey London Fog Cake

Replace part of sugar with ¼ cup honey for warmth and depth.

---

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with:

• A warm mug of Earl Grey tea
• Honey or lavender lattes
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Soft cheese plates (yes, it works!)

It’s a lovely dessert for:

• Bridal showers
• Afternoon tea gatherings
• Birthdays
• Holidays
• Elegant brunches

---

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store the cake covered for 4–5 days.
• Freeze (unfrosted layers): Up to 2 months wrapped tightly.
• Freeze (frosted): Freeze whole cake 30 minutes uncovered, then wrap and store for up to 1 month.
• Thaw: Allow to come to room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving.