If you’re an Earl Grey devotee or simply looking for a showstopper of a dessert, this London Fog Cake is pure, dreamy magic. Imagine delicate Earl Grey and lavender-infused sponge, soaked with even more fragrant tea, and crowned by a cloud of lavender cream cheese frosting—one bite, and you’ll understand why this sophisticated treat is beloved by tea and cake lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant Tea Shop Flavor: The London Fog Cake brings together the gentle citrusy notes of Earl Grey and soothing lavender, creating a flavor profile worthy of a chic patisserie.
Moist, Tender Texture: The combination of buttermilk in the batter and a vanilla-scented milk soak ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft and impossibly moist.
Showstopping Looks: With its creamy, pastel lavender frosting and pretty specks of tea, this cake is a true centerpiece for birthdays, brunches, or afternoon tea.
Foolproof for Home Bakers: Straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients make it easy to bake like a pro—no pastry diploma required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—each element plays a crucial role in building unforgettable layers of flavor and texture in your London Fog Cake. From the fragrant Earl Grey to the lush cream cheese frosting, every component, while simple, is absolutely essential.

Earl Grey tea: Choose a good-quality, loose-leaf Earl Grey for the brightest bergamot flavor—this is the heart of your cake!
Culinary lavender: Just a hint adds a summery floral aroma; culinary grade is a must for taste and safety.
All-purpose flour: Provides the cake with soft, sturdy structure—be sure to level when measuring for the perfect crumb.
Baking powder & baking soda: These offer a perfectly airy rise and balanced tenderness.
Unsalted butter: For richness and a wonderfully tender crumb; soften it for easy creaming.
Granulated white sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cake without overshadowing the tea and lavender.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs create a fluffier, more even cake texture.
Vanilla bean paste: Adds gourmet depth and beautiful black vanilla flecks; extract works in a pinch.
Buttermilk: The acid reacts with leaveners and tenderizes the crumb, keeping the cake light and moist.
Whole milk: Used in the milk soak for extra richness—don’t substitute skim or low-fat here.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that signature ultra-moist bite and subtle caramel undertone.
Cream cheese: Cold cream cheese gives the frosting a dreamy, tangy finish.
Powdered sugar: Sifts smoothly into the frosting for a fluffy, cloud-like texture.
Purple food coloring (optional): Just a drop creates a pastel lavender hue for maximum visual charm.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of baking London Fog Cake is how effortlessly it invites your personal touch! You can easily tailor the flavors, the presentation, or even make it suit different dietary needs—here are a few fun ways to make this cake your own.

Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter or frosting for even more brightness.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter and use dairy-free cream cheese to make this cake completely plant-powered without losing its dreamy texture.
No-Lavender Option: Skip the lavender entirely if you’re not a fan—the pure Earl Grey vanilla notes still shine beautifully.
Layer Cake Conversion: Double the recipe, bake in two 8-inch rounds, and assemble with extra frosting for a layered, bakery-worthy masterpiece!

How to Make London Fog Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Infuse the Earl Grey & Lavender

Start by pulsing Earl Grey tea and lavender together in a food processor until finely ground—this evenly infuses your cake with those signature sophisticated notes. Don’t skip sifting out any larger bits with a sieve; this makes for the best-textured crumb and no surprise chewy bites.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground tea and lavender, baking powder, soda, and salt for even distribution. Cream your softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in eggs and fragrant vanilla bean paste for a rich, smooth base.

Step 3: Combine & Bake

Gradually alternate in your dry ingredients and buttermilk on low speed, scraping down the bowl as you go. The batter should be luscious and smooth. Pour it into your lined pan and bake until golden with a springy touch—an inserted toothpick should come out clean!

Step 4: Make the Earl Grey Milk Soak

While the cake cools, gently heat milk, Earl Grey, and lavender to steaming. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain and combine with condensed milk and a hint of vanilla. This simple soak floods the cake with those creamy, floral undertones that make London Fog Cake so irresistible.

Step 5: Whip Up Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting

Pulse and sift the lavender, then whip softened butter until ultra-fluffy. Blend in cold cream cheese, beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and lavender, and tint with food coloring if desired; you’ll end up with an airy, fragrant, subtly purple frosting that’s pure decadence.

Step 6: Assemble and Finish

Once fully cooled, trim the cake’s top, poke holes for the soak, and slowly pour on your Earl Grey-laced milk. Smooth on a generous layer of lavender cream cheese frosting, cut into neat squares, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs. London Fog Cake is now ready to serve and savor!

Pro Tips for Making London Fog Cake

Tea Grinding Success: Use a powerful food processor and don’t rush—extra-fine Earl Grey and lavender mean even infusing and a perfect bite every time.
Soak Absorption Trick: Slice a thin layer from the cake’s top before soaking—this helps that luscious Earl Grey milk fully saturate every corner.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the fluffiest cake, let your eggs and buttermilk sit out before mixing; it makes the batter smoother and prevents dense spots.
Fluffy Frosting Finish: Don’t skip the full five-minute butter whipping—it unlocks a truly airy, bakery-style frosting for your London Fog Cake.

How to Serve London Fog Cake

Garnishes

This cake loves a little flourish! Sprinkle the top with loose Earl Grey leaves, a pinch of culinary lavender, or delicate edible dried flowers. For a party-perfect finish, zest a little lemon over the frosting just before serving—the combination is heavenly.

Side Dishes

London Fog Cake shines next to a simple pot of hot Earl Grey, of course, but it also pairs beautifully with lemon curd, vanilla bean ice cream, or a bowl of fresh berries for contrast. For brunch, serve alongside finger sandwiches for a true tea-time experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the cake into elegant squares and pipe extra frosting roses on top. Serve individual slices on vintage dessert plates for a nostalgic, tea-party vibe, or assemble into mini layer cakes using biscuit cutters for an eye-catching twist on tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Thanks to the rich milk soak and creamy frosting, London Fog Cake stays moist for days! Simply cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, wrap unfrosted (or frosted) cake slices individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. The cake keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying—frosting will retain much of its creaminess!

Reheating

Though London Fog Cake is best served cool or at room temperature, you can gently microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds if you crave the “just-baked” butteriness (just watch the frosting!). For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, allow the refrigerated cake to stand at room temp before indulging.

FAQs

Can I substitute other teas if I don’t have Earl Grey?

While Earl Grey is key for classic London Fog Cake flavor, you can try a fragrant black tea like Lady Grey or even a floral blend such as jasmine for a unique twist. Just note the bergamot-citrus character will change.
What if I don’t have culinary lavender?

Culinary lavender is optional but recommended for its gentle floral aroma. If you can’t find it, simply leave it out; your cake will still be delicious and full of Earl Grey and vanilla essence.
Can I make London Fog Cake in advance?

Absolutely! The cake actually improves as the flavors meld. You can bake, soak, and frost the cake a day ahead—just chill and let sit at room temperature before serving for the perfect bite.
Is the milk soak necessary?

The milk soak gives London Fog Cake its signature moistness and depth—think tres leches meets tea time. If you skip it, your cake will be lighter but miss that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s so special.

Final Thoughts

This London Fog Cake is equal parts nostalgic comfort and modern elegance—an utterly irresistible treat to share with friends or savor alongside a cozy mug of tea. I hope you get as much joy from baking (and eating!) it as I do. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite!