Lavender Cake Spring Dessert (Printable Version)

A delicate aromatic cake infused with fragrant culinary lavender buds, topped with lemon glaze.

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - ¼ tsp salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 tbsp culinary lavender buds, finely chopped
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - ½ cup whole milk

→ Lavender Syrup

10 - ¼ cup water
11 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
12 - 1 tsp culinary lavender buds

→ Lavender Lemon Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 tsp culinary lavender buds, finely chopped

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Blend in lavender and vanilla.
04 - Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated.
05 - Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing top evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
06 - While cake bakes, simmer water, sugar, and lavender in small saucepan for 3 minutes. Strain and set aside.
07 - Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Poke small holes in surface and brush with warm syrup if using. Cool completely.
08 - Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lavender until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
09 - Allow glaze to set before slicing. Serve at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lavender flavor is subtle and sophisticated, not overwhelming or perfumed
  • The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the optional lavender syrup soak
  • The lemon glaze balances the floral notes with just enough bright acidity
02 -
  • Culinary lavender is essential, ornamental lavender may contain pesticides or have an unpleasant taste
  • Overmixing the batter will make the cake tough, stop as soon as the flour disappears
  • The syrup step is optional but makes a noticeable difference in moisture and flavor intensity
03 -
  • If you're unsure about the lavender flavor, start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from curdling and ensure even baking

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