Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that captures the perfect harmony of floral notes and zesty brightness, the Lemon Lavender Cake is an absolute must-try. This cake combines the delicate fragrance of culinary lavender with the uplifting freshness of lemon, creating a flavor experience that’s both soothing and invigorating. Light, moist, and beautifully layered with lemon buttercream frosting and a shimmering lavender glaze, this cake is a delightful centerpiece for any gathering or a luxurious treat for yourself. Once you taste this Lemon Lavender Cake, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Lavender Cake lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating texture, depth, and that signature floral-citrus punch that makes this cake so irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a tender yet structured crumb that holds all those flavors beautifully.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents make sure your cake rises perfectly, light and fluffy every time.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the citrus notes.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for a luxurious cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that complements the lemon without overpowering the lavender.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the cake stability and moisture.
• Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice: The stars of the show—providing bright, fresh citrus aroma and tang.
• Whole milk: Makes the cake moist and tender, especially when infused with lavender.
• Dried culinary lavender buds: Infuse the cake and frosting with a gentle floral fragrance that feels like spring in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: A subtle undertone that rounds out the cake’s flavor profile.
• Powdered sugar: For the sweet, silky glaze and the luscious buttercream frosting.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich, smooth frosting that melts beautifully on the palate.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance the frosting’s flavor.

How to Make Lemon Lavender Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Before diving in, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your pans properly by greasing, flouring, or lining them with parchment paper ensures your cakes come out cleanly and keep their beautiful shape.

Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Lavender

Gently heat the milk in a small saucepan over low heat, then add the dried lavender buds. Let them steep for about 5 minutes to release their subtle floral aroma into the milk. Once infused, strain out the buds and allow the milk to cool. This lavender-infused milk will add an enchanting depth of flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients upfront ensures even distribution and consistent rise in the cake layers.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a tender, airy cake texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring freshness and vibrancy that define this Lemon Lavender Cake.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Lavender Milk

Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the lavender-infused milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh lemon and lavender.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then gently remove them and transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before frosting to prevent melting.

Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Lavender Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried lavender buds. This glaze will add a bright, shiny finish with an extra floral kiss when drizzled over the cooled cakes.

Step 10: Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried lavender buds, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 11: Assemble Your Lemon Lavender Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous layer of the lemon buttercream frosting on top. Add the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides evenly. Finish with a drizzle of the lemon lavender glaze for an elegant final touch. Now, your Lemon Lavender Cake is ready to wow everyone!

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cake

Garnishes

To enhance the visual appeal and aroma, garnish the cake with edible lavender flowers or thin lemon slices around the edges. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate crunch and extra charm.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries, which complement the lemon and lavender flavors without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more rustic vibe, serve individual slices with a drizzle of the lemon lavender glaze and a sprig of rosemary on the side. Alternatively, arrange mini versions of this cake in a tiered display for a charming tea party or bridal shower centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Lemon Lavender Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake remains moist and flavorful, but avoid leaving it out too long to preserve freshness and floral notes.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cake layers can be stored for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling for best results.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed fresh, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, let it sit at room temperature to soften the frosting rather than reheating, which can alter the texture and flavor of the delicate lemon and lavender balance.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender buds?

Fresh lavender can be used, but it is stronger and more bitter than dried culinary lavender. If you substitute, use about half the amount and remove the buds before mixing to avoid a harsh taste.

Is it necessary to infuse the milk with lavender?

Infusing the milk is key to extracting the subtle floral flavor of lavender throughout the cake. It’s a step that really sets this recipe apart and is highly recommended for the best taste.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs, butter, and dairy milk, which are difficult to replace without altering texture and flavor significantly. However, you might try plant-based substitutes like vegan butter and flax eggs, though some experimentation may be needed.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Don’t overbake to keep it moist and tender.

Can I use this cake for other occasions besides tea parties?

Absolutely! The Lemon Lavender Cake’s elegant flavor makes it a perfect choice for birthdays, bridal showers, garden parties, or even as a unique wedding cake. Its lightness and floral notes suit many celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Lemon Lavender Cake is a true joy, and sharing it is even better. Every bite offers a refreshing blend of citrus brightness and calming floral essence, perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests. I hope this recipe inspires you to experiment with these wonderful flavors at home—trust me, this cake will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!

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