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London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender
Introduction
Imagine a moist and decadent cake infused with the delicate flavors of Earl Grey tea and aromatic lavender. This London Fog Cake is a sophisticated dessert that combines the floral notes of lavender with the citrusy hints of Earl Grey for a truly unique and elegant treat. Whether you are a tea lover or simply enjoy indulging in exquisite desserts, this recipe is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Originating from the concept of the popular London Fog latte, this cake brings together the essence of a classic tea beverage in a delightful baked form. The subtle blend of flavors creates a harmonious symphony that is both comforting and luxurious, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or afternoon tea gatherings.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this delightful London Fog Cake, sharing expert tips and variations along the way to help you customize the recipe to your liking.
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of tea-infused baking and elevates your dessert experience to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in the following reasons why this London Fog Cake is a must-try:
1. The harmonious blend of Earl Grey and lavender creates a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
2. The moist and tender crumb of the cake ensures a delightful texture with every bite.
3. This recipe can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free.
4. The fragrant aroma of lavender and Earl Grey tea will fill your kitchen as you bake, creating a relaxing and comforting atmosphere.
5. Perfect for serving at elegant afternoon tea parties, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a refined dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
– 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Zest of 1 lemon
– For the Earl Grey Syrup:
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
– For the Lavender Frosting:
– 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, finely chopped
– Purple food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until steaming, then add the Earl Grey tea leaves. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk and Earl Grey mixture.
5. Fold in the culinary lavender, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, sour cream, and lemon zest until well combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cakes are baking, prepare the Earl Grey syrup by combining water, sugar, and tea leaves in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain and let cool.
8. Once the cakes are baked, poke holes in the tops and brush with the Earl Grey syrup. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
9. To make the lavender frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Stir in the finely chopped lavender and food coloring, if using.
10. Frost the cooled cakes with the lavender frosting, stacking them on top of each other. Decorate as desired and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
1. Use high-quality Earl Grey tea and culinary lavender for the best flavor infusion.
2. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe for optimal mixing and baking results.
3. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
4. Adjust the amount of lavender in the frosting to suit your preference for floral intensity.
5. For a more pronounced Earl Grey flavor, add a few drops of Earl Grey extract to the cake batter.
Variations and Substitutions
1. For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with almond milk and use vegan butter in the cake and frosting.
2. Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
3. Experiment with different tea blends or herbal infusions to create your own unique flavor combinations.
4. Add a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
This London Fog Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a frothy latte. Serve slices of the cake on elegant dessert plates garnished with fresh lavender sprigs for a sophisticated presentation. For added indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time and freeze them unfrosted. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Q: How long will the lavender frosting keep?
A: The frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Q: Can I omit the culinary lavender if I don’t like floral flavors?
A: Yes, you can omit the lavender from both the cake and frosting for a more traditional Earl Grey flavor.
Final Thoughts
Embark on a culinary adventure with this exquisite London Fog Cake that beautifully combines the aromatic essence of Earl Grey tea and lavender. Whether you are hosting a tea party or simply craving a sophisticated dessert, this recipe is sure to delight your senses and impress your guests.
Get creative with the flavors and presentation to make this cake your own masterpiece. Share your baking journey with us and savor every slice of this elegant and flavorful creation. Indulge in the art of tea-infused baking with this London Fog Cake recipe and elevate your dessert experience to new heights!
London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender
A sophisticated and moist cake infused with the delicate flavors of Earl Grey tea and aromatic lavender. This London Fog Cake is a unique dessert that combines floral notes with citrusy hints for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Earl Grey Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
- For the Lavender Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, finely chopped
- Purple food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Heat milk, steep Earl Grey tea leaves, then strain.
- Combine butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients alternately with milk and Earl Grey mixture.
- Fold in lavender, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, sour cream, and lemon zest.
- Divide batter between cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare Earl Grey syrup by simmering water, sugar, and tea leaves. Strain and cool.
- Brush cakes with Earl Grey syrup after baking. Let cool before frosting.
- Make lavender frosting by beating butter, adding powdered sugar, lavender, and food coloring.
- Frost the cakes, stack, decorate, and serve.
