Experience the delicate floral charm of lavender in this stunningly moist Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting. This delightful cake, adorned with a luscious lavender buttercream and brushed with fragrant lavender simple syrup, is perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten your day. Its unique flavor and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The subtle floral notes of lavender bring a refreshing twist to traditional cake recipes.
- Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or any celebration, this cake adds elegance to any table.
- Moist Texture: The buttermilk in the recipe ensures each slice remains moist and tender, providing an unforgettable experience.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant color and decorative frosting make this cake not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy texture by efficiently creaming butter and sugar together.
- Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without retaining moisture on the bottom, ensuring a perfect texture.
Ingredients
Experience the delicate floral charm of lavender in this stunningly moist cake. Topped with a dreamy lavender buttercream and brushed with lavender simple syrup, it’s a sophisticated treat perfect for special moments or simply brightening your day!
For the Cake
- 1½ Sticks (¾ Cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ Cups granulated sugar
- 2 Large whole eggs, room temperature
- 4 Large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1¼ Cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- ⅓ Cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ Cup water
- 2 Tbsp dried culinary lavender
For the Lavender Buttercream Frosting
- ½ Cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2⅓ Cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 Tbsp cooled lavender simple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Crushed lavender
4. Salt
Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Softened butter
2. Granulated sugar
Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternating between dry ingredients and buttermilk:
1. Begin with dry ingredients
2. Mix on low speed until just combined – be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make Lavender Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine:
1. Sugar
2. Water
3. Dried culinary lavender
Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, steep for 15–20 minutes, then strain out the lavender buds. Cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Lavender Buttercream Frosting
Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in cooled lavender simple syrup and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Now you’re ready to assemble your beautiful Lavender Cake! Enjoy every bite of this delicate dessert!
How to Serve Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
Serving your lavender cake is an opportunity to enhance its beautiful flavors. Here are some delightful ways to present this floral masterpiece, making it even more enjoyable for your guests or yourself.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries complement the floral notes of lavender, adding a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Blueberries: Their subtle sweetness pairs beautifully, creating a colorful presentation on your plate.
Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Creamy Delight: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the aromatic flavors of the cake, making every bite indulgent.
Drizzle with Honey
- Sweet Touch: A light drizzle of honey can enhance the natural sweetness of the cake while adding a touch of extra floral flavor.
Serve with Lavender Tea
- Floral Fusion: Pairing lavender tea with your cake creates a cohesive experience. The warm tea enhances the cake’s aroma and flavor profile.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Variety is Key: Serve slices alongside other treats like macarons or shortbread cookies for a delightful dessert platter that pleases all palates.
How to Perfect Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
Achieving the perfect lavender cake takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.
- Use culinary-grade lavender: It’s crucial to use edible lavender, as some varieties are not suitable for consumption and could taste bitter.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature: This helps in creating a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting: If you frost warm cakes, the buttercream may melt, ruining its lovely structure and presentation.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
To elevate your dining experience, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with lavender cake. Each offers unique flavors that complement this floral dessert.
- Lemon Tart: This zesty dessert provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of lavender cake.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness on the plate and balances out richer flavors.
- Herb-Infused Scones: These flaky treats can enhance the overall floral theme while providing a savory element.
- Chocolate Mousse: Decadent chocolate brings depth and richness that pairs well with lavender’s delicate notes.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses can provide creamy textures that contrast beautifully with the cake’s fluffiness.
- Iced Chamomile Tea: This soothing beverage complements the flavors without overpowering them, creating a calming experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
- Using the wrong type of lavender: Not all lavender is suitable for baking. Always use culinary lavender, which is safe and flavorful. Avoid using ornamental varieties that may be treated with chemicals.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined after adding the dry ingredients, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so it’s crucial to measure your ingredients properly. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing your cakes to cool completely before frosting is essential. If you frost warm cakes, the frosting will melt and slide off.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and improves the cake’s rise.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover lavender cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
Freezing Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the cake moist while warming it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Lavender Cake Recipe unique?
This Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting stands out due to its delicate floral flavor profile that enhances both taste and aroma, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
While fresh lavender can be used, it’s important to reduce the quantity since fresh herbs are more potent in flavor compared to dried culinary lavender.
How do I ensure my frosting is fluffy?
To achieve fluffy buttercream frosting, beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding sifted powdered sugar. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving it that light texture.
What occasions is this cake suitable for?
This Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting is perfect for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, or even afternoon tea. Its floral charm makes it versatile for any celebration!
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add lemon zest or replace some flour with almond flour for different flavors. Experimenting with various extracts can also yield delightful variations!
Final Thoughts
The Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting combines elegance and flavor beautifully. Its moist texture paired with fragrant frosting makes it an ideal dessert for many occasions. Plus, feel free to customize it by adding fruits or herbs of your choice! Try this recipe today and indulge in a delightful floral treat!
Lavender Cake with Lavender Buttercream Frosting
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of our Lavender Cake with Lavender Buttercream Frosting. This moist and delicate cake is infused with aromatic culinary lavender, creating a unique floral treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or simply to brighten your day. The lavender buttercream adds a luscious finish, while a hint of lavender simple syrup enhances the flavor with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting an elegant tea party, this cake will captivate your guests with its stunning presentation and delightful taste.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ Sticks (¾ Cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ Cups granulated sugar
- 2 Large whole eggs, room temperature
- 4 Large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1¼ Cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ⅓ Cup granulated sugar for lavender simple syrup
- ⅓ Cup water for lavender simple syrup
- 2 Tbsp dried culinary lavender for lavender simple syrup
- ½ Cup unsalted butter for lavender buttercream frosting
- 2⅓ Cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 Tbsp cooled lavender simple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for lavender buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, crushed lavender, and salt.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Incorporate eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate mixing dry ingredients and buttermilk until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
- Prepare lavender simple syrup by simmering sugar, water, and lavender; cool.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and mix in cooled syrup.
- Frost cooled cakes with lavender buttercream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice/75g
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Use only culinary-grade lavender for flavor safety. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
