London Fog Cake with Earl Grey Buttercream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The London Fog Cake is a combination of moist, decadent chocolate layers and the fragrant, aromatic flavor of Earl Grey tea in the buttercream. It offers a sophisticated twist on a traditional chocolate cake, with the warmth of the tea elevating the overall experience. Whether you’re a fan of tea or just love rich, layered cakes, this recipe will impress with its complexity and balance of flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot water

Earl Grey Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Salted Caramel (optional topping)

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, brewed coffee, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the Earl Grey buttercream, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the steeped Earl Grey tea and vanilla, and mix until smooth. If the buttercream is too thick, add milk to achieve the desired consistency.
9. Once the cakes are cooled, frost with the Earl Grey buttercream between layers and on top.
10. If using salted caramel, drizzle over the top of the cake before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and substitute butter with vegan margarine.
• Different Tea Flavors: Experiment with other teas such as chamomile or chai for a unique twist.
• Caramelized Nuts: Top the cake with caramelized pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?

Grease the pans with butter and dust with flour, or use parchment paper to line the bottom.

Can I use a different type of tea for the buttercream?

Yes, you can experiment with various teas like chamomile, chai, or green tea for a different flavor profile.

How can I make the cake more moist?

Adding a bit more oil or using full-fat buttermilk can help keep the cake extra moist.

Is it necessary to use coffee in the cake batter?

The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, but you can substitute it with hot water if you prefer not to use coffee.

How do I make the buttercream smoother?

If the buttercream is too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it up slightly before drizzling.

What’s the best way to frost a layered cake?

Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting. Use a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to seal in crumbs, then apply the final coat of buttercream.

Can I decorate the cake with fresh fruit?

Yes, fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries would complement the flavors of the cake beautifully.

How long does the salted caramel stay good?

Homemade salted caramel can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day ahead and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

Conclusion

This London Fog Cake with Earl Grey Buttercream is a stunning dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the delicate taste of Earl Grey tea. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress with its flavor and elegance.