If you’re a fan of both classic detective stories and British tea-time delights, these Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are about to become a new obsession. Delicately scented with Earl Grey and nutmeg, tender-crumbed, and draped in a shimmering tea glaze, every bite evokes the misty charm of London and the intrigue of Baker Street. Whether you’re hosting book club or simply craving a comforting treat to pair with your favorite brew, these tea cakes are a dreamy, aromatic, and unforgettable dessert that truly live up to their mysterious name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes couldn’t be simpler—each element is essential, lending a unique texture, flavor, or floral hint. Take a moment to savor their simplicity and imagine how these humble pantry staples transform into a treat worthy of a Holmesian afternoon tea.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation, giving these cakes their tender yet moist crumb.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift so your tea cakes are perfectly puffy.
- Baking soda: Working alongside the powder, this helps balance the cakes’ rise and tenderness.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and ensures the sweetness doesn’t overpower.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creamed butter results in a soft, luxurious texture throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the delightful structure of each bite.
- Dark brown sugar: This adds a subtle caramel note and a touch of color.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and lend richness to the mixture.
- Whole milk: Moistens the batter, ensuring your cakes are never dry or crumbly.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in warmth and familiarity—utterly essential for comfort desserts.
- Almond extract: Brings a whisper of sophistication and pairs perfectly with the tea.
- Earl Grey tea bag (leaves removed): This is your secret weapon, infusing each bite with aromatic bergamot and tea notes.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that deepens the flavor without overwhelming.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates that signature glossy finish drizzled on top.
- Brewed Earl Grey tea (for glaze): Intensifies both flavor and theme—your glaze will taste unmistakably British.
How to Make Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Earl Grey tea leaves, and nutmeg. This step makes sure all those magical flavors are thoroughly blended right from the start, dispersing the tea and spice evenly throughout the Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with both granulated and dark brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter—critical for that cloud-soft crumb the tea cakes are known for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
One at a time, beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. This ensures a silky, even batter and infuses the base with rich, aromatic notes that mingle beautifully with the Earl Grey tea.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed base, alternating with the milk. Mix gently, being careful not to overwork the batter. You’ll end up with a luscious, thick dough that’s flecked with tea leaves and heady with spice.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place heaping tablespoons of batter onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers are set. Allow your tea cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Step 6: Glaze with Earl Grey
In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with enough brewed Earl Grey tea to achieve a silky, pourable frosting. Generously drizzle this over your cooled Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes and let the glaze set, transforming them into show-stopping little masterpieces.
How to Serve Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes
Garnishes
Presenting these tea cakes with a flourish only enhances their charm. A delicate sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest, a scattering of edible flowers, or a fine dusting of extra Earl Grey tea can echo the flavors and truly set the scene for a whimsical afternoon tea.
Side Dishes
For the full British-inspired experience, accompany your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes with clotted cream, a dollop of lemon curd, or—of course—a piping hot pot of Earl Grey tea. A fresh fruit salad or a handful of juicy berries can add brightness and balance to the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Set the stage for a literary tea party by arranging your tea cakes on a vintage serving tray, pairing them with antique cups, or even placing a tiny magnifying glass beside each setting. For a playful touch, slip each cake into a striped parchment wrapper or serve alongside handwritten “clues” that hint at the secret ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The subtle flavors deepen a little as they rest, making them just as delightful (if not more) on day two or three.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead, these tea cakes freeze beautifully! Just place the unglazed cakes in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. Defrost at room temperature, then glaze fresh for best results.
Reheating
While they’re delicious at room temp, you can revive the tea cakes with a gentle 5-second zap in the microwave. If they’ve been frozen, be sure to allow them to thaw completely before reheating. The glaze sets hard, so warming is just for softening the crumb, not melting the topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Earl Grey is classic and gives that unmistakable London fog flavor, feel free to experiment with other black teas, like Darjeeling or English Breakfast, or even a lavender-infused blend for a different twist.
What’s the best way to get the most flavor from the tea?
Use fresh, high-quality Earl Grey and finely crumble the leaves for maximum infusion. Be sure to use a strongly brewed tea for the glaze—this really amplifies the aromatic profile in your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes.
Can I make these tea cakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Expect the texture to change slightly, but the flavors and overall experience remain magical and satisfying.
Can I skip the almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond, simply omit it or add a touch more vanilla. The cakes will still be wonderfully fragrant and won’t lose their British flair or signature taste.
Why are my tea cakes dry or crumbly?
Most often, this happens from overbaking or adding too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully and pull the cakes from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden and the centers are just set for that perfect, moist crumb.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly special about taking time to bake and savor Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes. Whether enjoyed solo with a good book or shared at a friend-filled tea party, each one captures a bit of mystery and magic in every bite. Give them a try—the clues point to a truly delicious discovery.
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Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 tea cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are a delightful treat inspired by the famous detective’s adventures. Infused with the flavors of Earl Grey tea and nutmeg, these soft and moist cakes are topped with a fragrant Earl Grey glaze, making them perfect for any tea time gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 Earl Grey tea bag (leaves removed from bag)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
For Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons brewed Earl Grey tea
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs, milk, and extracts. Blend in dry ingredients to form batter.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of batter on the sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack.
- Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with tea to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cakes once cooled.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground clove or cinnamon.
- These are perfect served with a hot cup of tea on a foggy afternoon—or during a mystery novel reading session.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea cake
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
