Delicate Aromatic Lavender Cake (Printable)
Delicate floral cake infused with fragrant lavender, topped with a zesty lemon glaze for an elegant spring dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt
04 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds, finely chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - ½ cup whole milk
→ Lavender Syrup
10 - ¼ cup water
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds
→ Lavender Lemon Glaze
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds, finely chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in chopped lavender and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
05 - Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly and smooth the top surface.
07 - Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. The top should be lightly golden.
08 - While cake bakes, combine water, sugar, and lavender in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3 minutes, then strain and set aside to cool slightly.
09 - Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. If using syrup, poke small holes across the surface with a skewer and brush evenly with warm syrup. Allow to cool completely.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and chopped lavender in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
11 - Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The glaze sets into a delicate crackle that shatters beautifully when you cut through it
- Its the kind of dessert that makes people pause and ask what that lovely flavor is
02 -
- Culinary lavender is essential, and regular lavender from a craft store will make your cake taste like soap
- Overbaking even by a few minutes will dry out the delicate crumb, so start checking at 25 minutes
03 -
- Chop the lavender buds right before adding them to preserve their essential oils
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from curdling and ensure even rising