Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes Recipe
If ever you wished to conjure the cozy, mysterious charm of Victorian London into your kitchen, these Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are just the thing. Imagine the fog-swirled streets outside 221B Baker Street, the gentle aroma of Earl Grey mingling with the buttery sweetness of warm tea cakes just out of the oven. Every bite melts softly, studded with currants, kissed with aromatic tea, and topped with a pearly glaze that glimmers with foggy intrigue. Whether you’re a die-hard Holmes fan or just craving something delightfully British, this is a treat to remember—even Mrs. Hudson would approve!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple clever add-ins, the magic of Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes comes together effortlessly. Each ingredient is handpicked for flavor and texture, offering layers of warmth, sweetness, and a fanciful burst of London fog.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings rich flavor and that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping it stay light and tender.
- Large egg (1): Adds structure and a hint of richness for perfect tea cake texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a classic, comforting aroma that balances the floral notes of the tea.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the nutty undertones and gives a hint of sophistication.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone that holds these delicate treats together.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise and lightness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to make every flavor sing.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Brings extra moisture and tenderness to each bite.
- Dried currants or finely chopped raisins (1/2 cup): Deliver tiny pockets of tart, chewy sweetness throughout.
- Earl Grey tea leaves, finely crushed (1/2 teaspoon): The secret to that unmistakably British twist—fragrant, citrusy, and soothing.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Makes a cloud-like, sweet drizzle that looks and tastes heavenly.
- Brewed Earl Grey tea (2–3 tablespoons, cooled, for glaze): Yeah, we double down on that signature tea flavor in the glaze!
- Edible pearl dust or silver sprinkles (optional): A dash on top makes the “foggy” effect so fun and magical.
How to Make Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by creaming together your softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or sturdy wooden spoon and beat until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this helps the tea cakes stay light. Next, add in your egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, continuing to beat until everything is fully combined and the batter smells simply divine.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only evenly distributes the leavening agent but also ensures there are no lumps—so every tea cake bakes up with the perfect texture.
Step 3: Bring the Batter Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with dry ingredients for best texture. The dough will be thick but soft. Now, fold in the currants (or chopped raisins) and those finely crushed Earl Grey tea leaves, making sure they’re evenly distributed for little bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart—they’ll spread just enough to turn into perfect little cakes. Gently flatten the tops with your fingers, then bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn a gentle golden and the centers are just set. Let the tea cakes cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Glaze and “Fog”
While your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes cool, whisk together powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of brewed Earl Grey tea until smooth and creamy. When the cakes are fully cooled, drizzle that fragrant glaze overtop. For the full “foggy London” effect, finish with a shimmer of edible pearl dust or a whisper of silver sprinkles—watch as they catch the light like London morning mist!
How to Serve Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes
Garnishes
Dress up your tea cakes with a final dusting of pearl dust or a scatter of silver sprinkles for that whimsical, detective-worthy “foggy” sheen. A few extra currants or a very light zesting of lemon over the glaze will complement the Earl Grey notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these dainty cakes with a classic cup of black tea or a London Fog latte for a true British afternoon. Fresh berries or sliced oranges on the side make for a lovely contrast to the tea cakes’ delicate crumb and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a Sherlock-themed spread with your tea cakes stacked on a Victorian cake stand, surrounded by mystery novels, magnifying glasses, or small scrolls with riddles. For tiny gatherings, serve each guest a single Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cake nestled in a decorative cupcake wrapper with a personal clue tucked alongside—it’s a delight worthy of any whodunit party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—these cakes will remain tender and flavorful for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so you’ll never bite into a dry tea cake!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze unglazed tea cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature, then glaze just before eating for best freshness and shine.
Reheating
If you like your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes just slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave will do. Avoid high heat and always reheat before glazing; if already glazed, a gentle room temperature reheat preserves texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of tea for the flavor?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey brings a lovely citrusy note, you can experiment with other black or aromatic teas, such as Lady Grey or even lavender blends, for a custom twist on your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes.
What if I don’t have edible pearl dust or silver sprinkles?
No worries! The “foggy” look is always fun, but the flavor is the real star. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra crushed tea leaves for a similar whimsical touch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare and refrigerate the dough (covered) up to 24 hours ahead. Bring it back to room temperature for easy scooping and baking whenever the urge for fresh tea cakes strikes.
Are dried currants essential, or can I substitute them?
The currants add lovely chewy bursts of sweetness, but feel free to swap in finely chopped dried cranberries, cherries, or golden raisins for a fruity twist in your Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes.
How can I intensify the Earl Grey flavor?
For serious tea lovers, try infusing the milk with Earl Grey by steeping a tea bag in warmed milk for five minutes. It deepens the flavor and makes every bite even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably magical about baking up a batch of Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes, letting the aroma of butter and Earl Grey drift through the house. I hope these playful, mysterious treats inspire moments of comfort and curiosity in your kitchen. Go on—brew a pot of tea, share a cake, and see where your imagination (and appetite) takes you!
Print
Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 tea cakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sherlock Holmes Foggy London Tea Cakes are a delightful treat inspired by the famous detective’s adventures in London. Infused with the flavors of Earl Grey tea and studded with dried currants, these tender cakes are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea while diving into a mystery novel.
Ingredients
Tea Cakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup dried currants or finely chopped raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon Earl Grey tea leaves (finely crushed)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons brewed Earl Grey tea (cooled)
- optional edible pearl dust or silver sprinkles for a ‘foggy’ effect
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk.
- Stir in mix-ins: Stir in the currants and crushed Earl Grey tea leaves.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and brewed tea, then drizzle over cooled tea cakes.
Notes
- For a more intense tea flavor, infuse the milk with Earl Grey by warming it and steeping a tea bag for 5 minutes before using.
- These delicate cakes pair wonderfully with a cup of black tea and a mystery novel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tea cake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
