Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting

Experience the delicate floral charm of lavender in this stunningly moist Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting. Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or any special occasion, this cake brings a unique touch to your dessert table. The combination of light cake and dreamy lavender frosting creates an unforgettable treat that will brighten anyone’s day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The subtle floral taste of lavender adds an interesting twist that sets this cake apart from traditional desserts.
• Versatile Occasion: Suitable for birthdays, bridal showers, or simply as a delightful afternoon treat.
• Moist and Tender: The buttermilk ensures a moist crumb, making each bite soft and delicious.
• Beautiful Presentation: The lovely lavender hue and decorative frosting make it visually appealing for any gathering.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment can make all the difference!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture for your cake.
• Cake pans: Properly shaped pans allow the cake to rise evenly and maintain its structure during baking.
• Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the cakes evenly, preventing soggy bottoms after baking.

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:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Finely crushed lavender
– Salt

This mixture forms the base of your batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Granulated sugar

Continue mixing until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in whole eggs one at a time before adding egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture. Start with dry ingredients and end with them. Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing!

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Lavender Simple Syrup

While cakes bake/cool, combine:
– Granulated sugar
– Water
– Dried culinary lavender

Simmer over medium heat while stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let steep for 15-20 minutes, then strain out lavender buds. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Lavender Buttercream Frosting

Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Add cooled lavender simple syrup and vanilla extract; beat until light and fluffy.

Now you are ready to assemble your beautiful Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting! Enjoy every floral bite!

How to Serve Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting

Serving your lavender cake can elevate the experience even further. This floral delight pairs beautifully with various accompaniments and garnishes that enhance its unique flavor profile.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the lavender notes and adds a creamy texture.

Accompany with Herbal Tea

• A warm cup of chamomile or green tea enhances the floral essence of the cake.

Add Edible Flowers

• Garnish with edible flowers like pansies or violets for an elegant touch that matches the cake’s aesthetic.

Drizzle with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey can enhance sweetness while providing a lovely sheen to the presentation.

How to Perfect Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting

To achieve the best results with your lavender cake, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your bake.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
• Measure correctly: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
• Cool completely: Allow cakes to cool thoroughly before frosting; this prevents melting and helps maintain structure.
• Taste test: Adjust the amount of lavender in both the cake and frosting according to your preference for floral flavor.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting

When serving lavender cake, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its taste and presentation well. These selections will round out your dessert table beautifully!

1. Citrus Salad
   A vibrant mix of oranges and grapefruits adds a refreshing zing that balances sweetness.
2. Lavender Lemonade
   This herbal twist on classic lemonade enhances the floral notes of the cake, making it a perfect pairing.
3. Almond Biscotti
   Crispy almond biscotti offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the moist cake.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy counterpoint to the dense lavender flavor.
5. Fruit Tart
   A light fruit tart adds seasonal flavors, enhancing your dessert spread while keeping it light.
6. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese; they pair exceptionally well with sweet baked goods.
7. Caramelized Nuts
   Sweet, crunchy nuts provide an enjoyable texture contrast when enjoyed alongside slices of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can result in a dense cake. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Boldly overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Boldly ignore measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour will dry out your cake. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Boldly forget to cool the cakes properly: Not allowing the cakes to cool can make frosting difficult. Cool them completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Boldly underestimate baking time: Each oven varies, so keep an eye on your cakes as they bake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftover Lavender Cake in an airtight container.
• item It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting

• item Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• item Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it until warm, which keeps the cake moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to incorporate lavender into my baking?

Using dried culinary lavender is ideal. Crush it finely before adding it to your recipes for better flavor infusion, as seen in this Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh lavender has a stronger flavor but can be used sparingly. Ensure it’s culinary-grade and finely chopped to avoid overwhelming your dessert.

How do I know when my cake is baked perfectly?

Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done!

How can I customize this Lavender Cake Recipe?

Feel free to add lemon zest for a citrusy twist or substitute half the buttermilk with fruit juice for added flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

This Lavender Cake Recipe with Lavender Buttercream Frosting is not only beautiful but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding different flavors or garnishes. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe—you’ll love how it brightens your day!