London Fog Cake

This London Fog Cake is an easy vanilla layer cake with a rich Earl Grey buttercream frosting that’s perfectly simple for an imperfect baker. The Earl Grey buttercream, combined with the vanilla cake flavors, mimics the flavors of your favorite London Fog latte.

There’s just something about London Fog recipes that I absolutely love. From my London Fog Shortbread Cookies to my London Fog Latte, capturing the flavors of Earl Grey tea and vanilla in desserts is a delicious flavor combination.

Don’t be scared by this layer cake either, because you all know I AM NOT a baker. We’re using a simple box cake mix for the cake and then making an easy Earl Grey buttercream. From there, it’s just a matter of icing the cakes, which is super easy.

Ingredients needed

• White Cake Mix (I recommend Betty Crocker Super Moist White Cake Mix)
• 1/2 Vegetable oil (per box directions – follow your box directions here)
• 3 eggs (per box directions – follow your box directions here)
• 1 cup unsalted butter – softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup loose Earl Grey tea
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. brewed Earl Grey tea – cooled
• Culinary Lavender, orange zest – OPTIONAL

How to make a London Fog Cake

1. Preheat oven to the temperature recommended on box cake mix directions.
2. Grease and flour two 8″ round cake pans. Then, trace around each pan onto parchment paper and cut out so that the circle pieces fit snuggly into the bottom of each pan. I find that this ensures your cake will easily transfer with no sticking.
3. Mix cake mix according to package directions and bake according to the directions for two 8″ round cake pans.
4. While the cakes are baking, mix the Earl Grey buttercream icing.
5. Add the softened butter and heavy cream to a large mixing bowl. Start creaming on medium-low speed and slowly add in the powdered sugar. Then add in the vanilla, salt, and loose Earl Grey tea. Then add in the coooled brewed Earl Grey tea. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Once the cakes have finished baking, remove from the oven and set the pans onto a cooling rack. Let cool for 5 minutes. Then, carefully place another cooling rack on top of each pan and flip to transfer to the cake to the cooling rack outside of the pan. Let completely cool.
7. Once the cakes have cooled, you can assemble the cake and ice with the Earl Grey buttercream.
8. Place a small dab of the buttercream frosting onto the center of your cake stand, then place one of the cake layers onto the cake stand. Add a big dollop of the Earl Grey buttercream on top of that layer and spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake out to the edge. You can have a slight bit of overhand of frosting, which will help when icing the sides of the cake.
9. Next, place the second layer of cake onto the frosting and gently press it down just to make sure it sticks. From here, frost a thin layer of frosting all of the cake, top and sides. This will help seal in the crumbs, also known as a crumb coat. Once you have your crumb coat, begin to frost the cake from the top, then down the sides. Be generous with your frosting, continuing to smooth as you go around the cake.
10. Top with Culinary Lavender and orange zest, if preferred.
11. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Is Earl Grey Tea caffeinated?

Yes, Earl Grey tea is a black tea that does contain caffeine.

Does buttercream need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s best if buttercream is refrigerated if storing beyond one day. If you do not plan on eating the cake within a day, I would recommend refrigerating your London Fog cake.

What does a London Fog cake taste like?

This cake is a simple white cake with the flavors of Earl Grey tea coming through in the buttercream. It tastes just like Earl Grey tea, if you’re familiar with that flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Culinary Lavender is not required, so if you do not have access to this you can simply leave it off.
• Try chocolate cake for an even richer experience.
• Add a few tablespoons of loose Earl Grey tea to the cake mix for an even stronger Earl Grey flavor.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other easy baking recipes for the imperfect baker!

• Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Tart – a simple dessert recipe
• Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake – an easy bundt cake recipe
• Orange Moscato Cupcakes – a fun cupcake using a boxed cake mix
• Red Velvet Cake with Butter Roux Frosting – a classic favorite with an easy option using a boxed cake mix
• Maple Bacon Spice Cupcakes – a delicious maple buttercream with an easy boxed cupcake mix

London Fog Cake Recipe