This London Fog Earl Grey Tea Cake is a delightful fusion of aromatic Earl Grey tea and classic sponge cake. Inspired by the popular “London Fog” tea latte, this cake features layers of Earl Grey-infused sponge, drizzled with a fragrant Earl Grey syrup, and topped with soft, billowy whipped vanilla cream. Adorned with edible flowers, it’s a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 250g unsalted butter, softened​

• 250g caster sugar​

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

• 5 eggs, at room temperature (or 3 duck eggs)​

• 250g self-raising flour​

• 1 teaspoon baking powder​

• Tea leaves from 1 Earl Grey tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea, finely crushed​

• 1/4 cup milk​

For the Earl Grey Syrup:

• 1 cup water​

• 1 Earl Grey tea bag​

• 1 cup caster sugar​

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract​

For the Decoration:

• 450ml cream​

• 3 teaspoons vanillin sugar

• Edible flowers (optional)​

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Tins:
   Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line the bases of two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins with parchment paper and spray the bases and sides with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to cream together the softened butter and caster sugar for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the mixture. Add the finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter, adding the milk gradually to maintain a smooth consistency.

4. Bake the Cakes:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place them gently in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as Victoria sponge cakes can be sensitive to temperature changes. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in their tins.

5. Prepare the Earl Grey Syrup:
   While the cakes are cooling, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of caster sugar. Add the Earl Grey tea bag and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil until it reduces to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat, discard the tea bag, and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool completely.

6. Whip the Cream:
   In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the vanillin sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

7. Assemble the Cake:
   Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Poke small holes across the surface using a skewer or fork. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the Earl Grey syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Spread half of the whipped cream over this layer. Place the second cake layer on top, repeat the poking and drizzling process, and then spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.

8. Decorate:
   Optionally, adorn the cake with edible flowers for a beautiful finish.

9. Serve:
   The cake can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal​

• Total Fat: 30g​

• Saturated Fat: 18g​

• Cholesterol: 150mg​

• Sodium: 200mg​

• Total Carbohydrates: 40g​

• Sugars: 30g​

• Protein: 6g

The Essence of Earl Grey in Baking

Earl Grey tea, named after the British Prime Minister Charles Grey, is typically a black tea base infused with the oil of bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. This infusion imparts a distinctive flavor that’s simultaneously bold and floral, with notes of orange, lavender, and spice. While many enjoy it steeped traditionally or in a frothy latte, using Earl Grey as a baking ingredient introduces a layer of complexity that elevates even the simplest recipes.

In this tea cake, the finely crushed Earl Grey leaves are baked directly into the sponge, offering subtle hints of citrus and black tea throughout. The result is aromatic without being overpowering—an ideal base for a light, spongy texture that melts in the mouth.

From Cup to Cake: The Inspiration Behind London Fog Desserts

The London Fog drink has inspired a wave of creative culinary interpretations, from ice creams to panna cottas and cookies. What makes it such an appealing flavor profile is its balance of warmth and brightness. The vanilla softens the slight bitterness of the tea, while milk or cream rounds everything out to a smooth finish.

This tea cake channels all of those flavors in cake form. It draws heavily from the drink’s signature elements—strong brewed Earl Grey, a sweet vanilla base, and a velvety cream topping—to create a dessert that mirrors the experience of sipping a warm mug of London Fog. It’s indulgent without being rich, floral without being soapy, and familiar yet unique.

A Perfect Sponge Infused with Tea Elegance

At the heart of this cake is a soft, airy sponge that absorbs flavor like a dream. By incorporating crushed Earl Grey tea leaves directly into the batter, the floral-citrus notes are allowed to gently steep as the cake bakes. Unlike other cakes where flavors may sit on top or in frostings alone, this one ensures that every bite is infused with depth and character.

Self-raising flour gives the sponge a delicate rise, while the use of butter and eggs lends richness without making it heavy. The inclusion of a small amount of milk keeps the texture moist, and the choice of vanilla adds warmth that enhances the bergamot rather than competing with it.

The Signature Earl Grey Syrup Soak

One of the most distinctive elements of this dessert is the Earl Grey syrup. Much like a traditional soak used in layer cakes or sponges like tres leches, this syrup is brushed or drizzled over the baked cake to impart both moisture and flavor.

Steeped with Earl Grey tea and simmered into a syrupy consistency, this glaze acts as both a flavor enhancer and a visual polish. It sinks into the sponge, amplifying the tea flavor and ensuring that each bite remains moist and fragrant. The added touch of vanilla in the syrup brings a subtle sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the tea, making it a key part of what sets this cake apart from a standard sponge.

Topped with a Vanilla-Infused Cream Dream

Rather than a heavy buttercream or fondant, this cake is crowned with a cloud-like layer of whipped vanilla cream. This choice not only reflects the light, dreamy qualities of a tea latte, but also creates a fresh, airy contrast to the richness of the sponge.

The cream is gently whipped to soft peaks and lightly sweetened with vanillin sugar, allowing the natural flavor of the dairy to shine through without becoming overpowering. It also serves as a cool, creamy complement to the warm floral notes of the Earl Grey, making every mouthful a harmonious balance of taste and texture.

An Edible Work of Art

Aesthetically, this cake is a stunner. When layered and topped with whipped cream, it becomes a blank canvas just waiting to be adorned. Edible flowers—such as violets, pansies, or calendula—can be added as a garnish for a truly elegant finish. These not only add a pop of color but also echo the floral notes found in Earl Grey tea itself.

The visual beauty of this cake makes it ideal for special occasions: think bridal showers, afternoon tea parties, springtime brunches, or even as an alternative wedding cake. Its clean lines, soft texture, and elegant decoration options make it a natural fit for celebrations with a touch of refinement.

A Cake for Every Occasion

What’s remarkable about the London Fog Earl Grey Tea Cake is its versatility. It feels sophisticated enough for formal events, yet comforting enough to enjoy with a simple cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. It bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, appealing to a wide audience of dessert lovers.

Its components are flexible, too. While the recipe may call for self-raising flour and specific cream preparations, bakers can adapt it to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability. The tea syrup can be made stronger or lighter, the cream can be infused with different flavors, and even the cake layers can be baked in different shapes to suit any event.

A Celebration of Flavor and Simplicity

Despite its elegant profile, this cake doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen or complex pastry techniques. It’s a recipe grounded in simplicity, elevated by thoughtful ingredients and careful flavor pairings. The use of tea as both an ingredient and a theme brings a timeless quality to the cake—something that feels both old-world and modern, all at once.

Baking this cake is as much about creating a moment as it is about the final product. The aromas of steeping Earl Grey and vanilla in the kitchen, the satisfaction of layering soft sponge with cream, the visual joy of fresh flowers on top—these are experiences that linger long after the last slice has been eaten.

Conclusion: A Slice of Serenity in Cake Form

The London Fog Earl Grey Tea Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of quiet moments, elegant flavor, and the magic that happens when everyday ingredients are elevated with intention. With its fragrant sponge, syrupy soak, and dreamy cream topping, it captures the very essence of the London Fog latte and turns it into something tangible, sliceable, and shareable.

Whether you’re a tea lover looking to explore a new kind of treat, a baker seeking a refined twist on a classic, or simply someone who enjoys desserts that tell a story, this cake delivers. It’s a dessert that invites you to pause, savor, and indulge in the subtle art of flavor. Add a pot of Earl Grey on the side, and you’ve got a pairing made in heaven.