The moment you step into a kitchen filled with the refreshing scent of lavender, it’s like being enveloped in a gentle embrace of tranquility. This elegant lavender cake, with its delicate floral notes and sumptuous buttercream frosting, transforms any mundane day into a special occasion. I discovered this delightful recipe while hosting a tea party for friends, and it quickly became the star of the show.
Perfectly moist and adorned with a creamy lavender icing, this cake is the epitome of sophistication, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make—ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply wish to treat yourself to a slice of bliss, this lavender cake meets every craving. Let’s dive into creating this beautiful, aromatic dessert that captures the essence of spring and makes any table look enchanting!
Why will you adore this Lavender Cake?
Sophisticated flavor: The enchanting notes of lavender create a unique dessert that elevates any occasion.
Visual appeal: Its pastel hues and floral decorations make it a stunning centerpiece for gatherings.
Simple preparation: Despite its fancy exterior, this cake is easy to make, perfect for novice bakers.
Versatile serving options: Pair it with whipped cream or serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. For more tips on serving, check out our perfect tea party ideas.
Crowd-pleaser: With its light, floral essence, it’s bound to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!
Lavender Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free delight.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can deepen the flavor.
• Baking Powder – A crucial leavening agent that ensures your lavender cake rises beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter – Brings richness and moisture; margarine can serve as a dairy-free alternative.
• Eggs – Binds all ingredients together, creating stability; for a vegan twist, use flaxseed meal mixed with water.
• Milk – Adds moisture and enhances flavor; almond milk or coconut milk can be great dairy-free substitutes.
• Lavender – Infuses the cake with its signature floral flavor; make sure to use culinary-grade lavender for safety.
For the Lavender Buttercream
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream, providing a velvety texture.
• Heavy Cream – Contributes to the creamy consistency of the frosting; can be replaced with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Lavender – Enhances the buttercream with floral notes; adjust according to your preference for a bold flavor in your lavender cake.
How to Make Lavender Cake
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Prepare Baking Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it warms up, grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Make Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, milk, and culinary lavender until combined.
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Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
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Create Lavender Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and a few sprigs of lavender. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a fragrant syrup.
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Prepare Lavender Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in the heavy cream and culinary lavender until it reaches a creamy consistency.
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Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, use a brush to soak each layer with the lavender simple syrup. Stack the layers and generously frost the sides and top with the lavender buttercream.
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Decorate: Get creative with your piping techniques and consider adding edible flowers for a stunning presentation that adds to the floral charm of your lavender cake.
Optional: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of dried lavender for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Lavender Cake
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Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming, which leads to a light and fluffy lavender cake.
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Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting, ensuring a beautifully layered dessert.
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Lavender Amount: Adjust the amount of lavender according to your taste, as too much can overpower the other flavors in the cake.
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Electric Mixer Use: For a smooth and creamy lavender buttercream, using an electric mixer is highly recommended; hand mixing may not achieve the desired consistency.
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Storage Suggestions: Wrap the lavender cake securely if storing in the fridge or freezer to maintain its moisture and flavor over time.
What to Serve with Lavender Cake?
The enchanting flavors of lavender cake invite a delightful array of pairings to enhance your dessert experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the floral notes.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries provide a burst of freshness, creating a delightful contrast to the cake’s rich buttery frosting.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The velvety smoothness of vanilla ice cream complements the lavender, making for a comforting and indulgent dessert combination. This pairing transforms each bite into a truly luxurious treat!
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Chamomile Tea: A warm cup of chamomile tea harmonizes beautifully with the lavender, enhancing the calming experience of your dessert.
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Lemon Zest: Gently sprinkling lemon zest over the cake adds a bright citrus twist, refreshing the palate with each decadent slice.
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Edible Flowers: Garnishing with edible flowers not only elevates the visual appeal but also adds subtle floral accents that enhance the lavender cake experience.
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Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly pairs wonderfully, bringing a celebratory touch to your gathering while beautifully cutting through the cake’s sweetness.
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Lavender Lemonade: This refreshing drink echoes the cake’s floral notes, creating a delightful thematic dining experience that guests will remember.
Make Ahead Options
These Lavender Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain their moisture. Additionally, the lavender buttercream can be made up to 24 hours ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick whip before frosting your cake. For an even deeper flavor, make the lavender simple syrup ahead of time (it can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks). When you’re ready to assemble, just brush the syrup on the cooled cake layers, frost them generously with the buttercream, and enjoy your delicious dessert with minimal effort!
Lavender Cake Variations & Substitutions
Discover how to personalize your lavender cake recipe with these delightful twists and substitutions that will awaken your inner chef!
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Citrus Zest: Add fresh lemon or orange zest to the batter for a tangy brightness that complements the floral notes.
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Buttermilk Swap: Replace regular milk with buttermilk to create an even richer and more tender cake with a slight tang.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring a delicious cake perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Dairy-Free Twist: Use plant-based margarine and coconut cream in the buttercream for a deliciously indulgent dairy-free cake.
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Herbal Infusion: Marry the lavender with chopped fresh rosemary for an intriguing herbal touch that adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
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Flavorful Frosting: Experiment with flavored buttercreams like vanilla or almond to switch up the classic lavender flavor and give it a unique spin.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cake texture.
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Chai Spice: Adding a pinch of chai spice blend to your batter can provide a warming, aromatic twist that makes your lavender cake delightfully unique.
Let your culinary imagination run wild and make this lavender cake truly yours!
How to Store and Freeze Lavender Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the lavender cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and delicate flavor.
Fridge: If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week, ensuring it’s well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the lavender cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving to savor the delicious taste of this lavender cake.
Lavender Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of lavender should I use in the cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use culinary-grade lavender that is safe for consumption. You can use either fresh or dried lavender, but make sure to adjust the quantity based on your preference, as the floral taste can be quite potent.
How should I store leftover lavender cake?
Very good question! Store your lavender cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it well to keep it moist and delicious!
Can I freeze lavender cake?
Yes, you can! To freeze your lavender cake, ensure it has cooled completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This way, it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
What can I do if my buttercream is too runny?
No worries! If your lavender buttercream is too runny, you can easily fix it by gradually adding more powdered sugar. Start with a couple of tablespoons and mix until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thick, add a bit of heavy cream or milk, but a little at a time, to keep it in balance.
Is this lavender cake suitable for people with specific dietary restrictions?
Definitely! This lavender cake can be adjusted for various dietary considerations. Use gluten-free flour and non-dairy milk to make it gluten-free and dairy-free. For a vegan alternative, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixed with water. Just be sure to use culinary-grade lavender to keep it safe!
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
Great question! You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your lavender cake is ready! If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. A good rule of thumb is to check around the 30-minute mark as mentioned in the recipe.
Lavender Cake: A Delightful Floral Dessert for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, milk, and lavender until the batter is well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a saucepan, simmer sugar, water, and lavender sprigs to create lavender simple syrup.
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in heavy cream and lavender.
- Once cooled, soak each cake layer with lavender syrup, stack, and generously frost with lavender buttercream.
- Decorate with piping techniques or edible flowers for an elegant finish.