Name: Sherlock Holmes London Fog: 7 Irresistible Tea Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitution: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if necessary.); 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves (Can use 3 tea bags as an alternative.); 1 cup whole milk (Infuse with Earl Grey tea for enhanced flavor.); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (Must be softened for proper creaming.); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (For dusting.)

Sherlock Holmes London Fog evokes the mysterious charm of Victorian London, wrapped in the warmth of delightful tea cakes. These scrumptious treats are inspired by the renowned detective, Sherlock Holmes, and feature the aromatic flavor of Earl Grey tea. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or an elegant gathering, these London Fog Tea Cakes will transport you to foggy streets where mysteries unfold. Let’s dive into the enchanting world of these delectable delights!

Why You’ll Love This Sherlock Holmes London Fog

This recipe is not just about flavor; it encapsulates the very essence of Sherlock Holmes and his world. Here are a few reasons to try these tea cakes:

Infused with the rich flavor of Earl Grey, these cakes are a delightful twist on traditional desserts.
Perfectly moist and fluffy, they are sure to impress your guests at any occasion.
Easy to make, even for novice bakers, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
The atmospheric setting of Sherlock Holmes’ London adds a touch of mystery to your tea time.
They serve as an excellent pairing with your favorite tea or coffee, enhancing your afternoon ritual.
These cakes not only taste good but also look elegant, making them a visual treat.
Creating a Sherlock Holmes atmosphere is simple with these delightful cakes to set the mood.
With a total prep and cook time of only 55 minutes, they are a quick indulgence that feels luxurious.

Ingredients for Sherlock Holmes London Fog

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitution: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if necessary.)
1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves (Can use 3 tea bags as an alternative.)
1 cup whole milk (Infuse with Earl Grey tea for enhanced flavor.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (Must be softened for proper creaming.)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (For dusting.)

How to Make Sherlock Holmes London Fog Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Grind 1 tablespoon of Earl Grey tea leaves to a fine powder and whisk into dry ingredients.
Step 3: Heat 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of Earl Grey tea leaves, steep for 5 minutes, and strain.
Step 4: In a stand mixer, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the infused milk, mixing just until combined.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners. Fill each cup 2/3 full with batter.
Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes. They’re done when golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool in the tin for 5 minutes then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Sherlock Holmes London Fog: 7 Irresistible Tea Cakes - Sherlock Holmes London Fog - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sherlock Holmes London Fog

Keep these in mind:

Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for a few days.
Experiment with different tea flavors for a unique twist; chai or lavender could be delightful alternatives.

Best Ways to Serve Sherlock Holmes London Fog

Here are some ideas for serving:

Pair with a cup of Earl Grey tea to enhance the flavors.
Serve alongside a selection of jams and clotted cream for a delightful afternoon tea.
Present on a vintage platter to create a charming, Sherlock Holmes-inspired atmosphere.

How to Store and Reheat Sherlock Holmes London Fog

To ensure your tea cakes stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a few days of baking but can last up to a week. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature. This recipe takes a total of 55 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet impressive dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sherlock Holmes London Fog

What’s the secret to perfect Sherlock Holmes London Fog?

The secret lies in the quality of the Earl Grey tea used. A good quality tea will infuse the cakes with a rich, aromatic flavor resembling the foggy essence of Sherlock Holmes’ London.

Can I make Sherlock Holmes London Fog ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This way, you can bake fresh cakes whenever you like, ideal for unexpected guests or cozy nights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sherlock Holmes London Fog?

Ensure your butter is sufficiently softened for easy creaming with sugar, as this will impact the texture of your cakes. Also, do not overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to dense cakes.

Variations of Sherlock Holmes London Fog You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Replace Earl Grey with green tea for a lighter flavor.
Add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
Incorporate lavender for a fragrant touch that complements the tea.
For a chocolatey treat, fold in chocolate chips into the batter.

For more delightful recipes, check out this collection of tea-inspired treats!

To enhance your baking skills, visit our baking tips page for expert advice!

Discover more about the history of tea in this informative article!