If you’re a lavender lover like me, get ready to indulge in the delicate floral notes of lavender with these exquisite lavender cake recipes. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a symphony of lavender-infused goodness that will elevate your dessert game to a whole new level. From lavender-infused milk to fragrant lavender extract in the batter and frosting, every bite of this cake is a delightful journey through a lavender field.
Imagine a super moist cake with a tender crumb, topped with a whipped lavender cream cheese buttercream frosting that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these lavender cake recipes are a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their baking repertoire. Get ready to impress your taste buds with the subtle yet enchanting flavors of lavender in every bite.
Ingredients
Creating a delightful lavender cake involves a harmonious blend of carefully chosen ingredients. From the cake layers to the lavender-infused buttercream, the components come together to elevate the lavender experience in each slice.
For the Lavender Cake
- 1½ Sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ Cups sugar
- 2 Whole eggs
- 4 Egg yolks
- 2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 Cups flour
- 4 Teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon dried lavender (crushed)
- ¾ Teaspoon salt
- 1¼ Cup buttermilk (regular milk can be substituted)
- 6 Ounces white chocolate
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- ⅓ Cup sugar
- ⅓ Cup water
- 2 Tablespoons dried lavender
- ½ Cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2⅓ Cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lavender simple syrup
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
These components, when meticulously combined, create a lavender cake that is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every delightful bite.
Necessary Equipment
For crafting a delightful lavender cake, having the right equipment is essential to ensure a smooth baking and decorating process. Below are the necessary tools you’ll need to create a beautifully adorned lavender cake:
Baking Tools
To start your lavender cake baking journey, you’ll need basic baking tools like measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, an electric mixer (handheld or stand), fine mesh sieve, pastry brush, and 8-inch round cake pans. Additionally, having a cake stand or cake turntable will make decorating your lavender cake a breeze.
Decorating Tools
For decorating your lavender cake, essential tools include piping bags (reusable or disposable), piping tips (Wilton 1A for large decorations and Wilton 1M for rosettes), a bench scraper for smoothing frosting, and an icing spatula. If you choose to add intricate designs like flowers, consider using piping nails, parchment paper squares, and small petal tips for detailed decorations.
Preparation
When preparing a lavender cake, it’s essential to start by infusing the key ingredients with a delightful lavender flavor. This process involves infusing milk with dried culinary lavender and preparing the baking pans for the perfect cake.
Preparing the Lavender Infusion
To infuse the milk with the enchanting essence of lavender, bring the milk to a gentle simmer and steep it with a generous amount of dried culinary lavender. Strain the lavender-infused milk through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth and fragrant base for your lavender cake batter.
Preheating the Oven and Preparing Pans
Preheat your oven to the ideal temperature of 350°F (177°C) and prepare your cake pans for baking. Whether using 6-inch or 8-inch pans, ensure they are properly greased and lined with parchment paper for easy cake release. This step sets the stage for baking a perfect lavender cake with a moist and flavorful crumb.
Directions
In crafting a delectable lavender cake, the journey begins with making the lavender cake batter, followed by baking the cake, creating the lavender simple syrup, and preparing the lavender buttercream.
Making the Lavender Cake Batter
- Infuse the milk with culinary lavender to create lavender milk, enhancing the cake’s flavor profile.
- Incorporate lavender extract into the batter for a fragrant and delightful taste.
- Follow the reverse creaming method for a soft and springy cake crumb that will elevate the texture of the dessert.
Baking the Cake
- Preheat the oven to the specified temperature according to your recipe.
- Prepare the baking pans by greasing and flouring them to ensure easy release after baking.
- Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Creating the Lavender Simple Syrup
- Combine water, sugar, and culinary lavender in a saucepan over low heat.
- Simmer the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the lavender infuses into the syrup.
- Strain the syrup to remove the lavender buds, leaving a fragrant lavender simple syrup ready for use.
- Whip butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and lavender extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Adjust the consistency by adding milk or more powdered sugar to achieve the desired texture for frosting the lavender cake.
Assembly
After preparing the lavender cake layers, it’s time to assemble the cake with finesse. Each step is crucial for achieving a stunning and flavorful lavender-infused masterpiece.
Layering the Cake
- Start by placing one cake layer right-side-up on a plate or cake round.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the cake layer.
- Add the second cake layer upside down, ensuring a smooth top surface.
- Adjust to center the cake layers and ensure a level top.
Applying the Simple Syrup
- Brush the lavender-infused simple syrup over the cake layers, adding moisture and enhancing the floral flavor.
- Ensure the syrup is evenly distributed for a consistent taste throughout the cake.
- Begin with a crumb coat to seal in the moisture and lock the crumbs.
- Refrigerate the cake to set the crumb coat before applying the final layer of frosting.
- Frost the cake generously, covering the top and sides with a thick layer of lavender buttercream.
- Smooth the frosting for a polished finish, ready to be served and enjoyed.
Decorating Tips
As I delve into the art of decorating lavender cakes, let me share some valuable tips on enhancing the visual appeal of your creation. Mastering piping techniques and incorporating edible flowers and delicate lavender sprigs can elevate your lavender cake to a stunning and Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
Piping Techniques
When decorating your lavender cake, consider using piping techniques to add intricate designs and beautiful details. From creating floral patterns to elegant swirls, piping allows you to unleash your creativity and personalize your cake. Experiment with different piping tips and techniques to achieve the desired look and feel for your lavender cake.
Using Edible Flowers and Lavender Sprigs
To add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to your lavender cake, consider garnishing it with edible flowers and fresh lavender sprigs. Edible flowers not only provide a visually appealing contrast but also offer a unique floral flavor that complements the delicate notes of lavender in the cake. Lavender sprigs can serve as a fragrant and visually stunning garnish, enhancing the overall presentation of your lavender cake. Be sure to select edible flowers that are safe for consumption and thoroughly wash any fresh garnishes before adorning your cake.
Serving and Storage
When it comes to serving and storing your lavender cake, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure the best experience for both you and your guests. Let’s dive into the best ways to serve this delightful dessert and how to store it for optimal freshness.
Best Ways to Serve
Serve your lavender cake with a touch of elegance by adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy texture of the whipped cream or the chilly contrast of the ice cream complements the floral notes of the lavender, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For an extra touch of sophistication, garnish each slice with a sprinkle of culinary lavender or a few fresh edible flowers to delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
How to Store
To preserve the freshness of your lavender cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid exposing the cake to direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming too soft. If you need to store the cake for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Before serving refrigerated cake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore its soft texture and full flavor.
Freezing and Defrosting Tips
For extended storage, you can freeze your lavender cake for up to 3 months without compromising its taste and quality. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy the cake, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. Once thawed, you can either serve it at room temperature or warm it up slightly in the microwave for a comforting treat.
By following these serving and storage guidelines, you can savor the delightful flavors of your lavender cake for an extended period without losing its moistness and aroma. Enjoy each slice knowing that it has been carefully preserved to maintain its exceptional taste and quality.
Conclusion
Exploring lavender cake recipes has been a delightful journey, uncovering the secrets to creating a moist and flavorful treat. From infusing lavender into milk to crafting a lavender-infused buttercream, each step adds a touch of elegance to the baking process. Decorating with edible flowers and sprigs elevates the cake’s visual appeal, making it a showstopper at any gathering. When it comes to serving and storing, simple tips ensure that the lavender cake remains fresh and delicious for days to come. By following these guidelines, one can savor the exquisite flavors of lavender while relishing the delicate texture of this delectable dessert.