Lavender Cake (Printable)

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

→ Lemon Glaze

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

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, ensuring all surfaces are coated to prevent sticking.
02 - Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to distribute evenly and set aside.
03 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add eggs individually, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
04 - Mix in finely chopped lavender buds and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.
05 - Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and smooth the top surface.
07 - Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Combine water, sugar, and lavender buds in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Reserve warm syrup.
09 - Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes. Using a skewer, create small holes across the surface and gently brush with warm lavender syrup. Cool completely before glazing.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and chopped lavender in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
11 - Drizzle glaze over the completely cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The floral aroma fills your kitchen with the most calming scent while it bakes
  • That lemon glaze cuts through the sweetness and makes every bite feel like sunshine
  • It looks effortlessly elegant but comes together with ingredients you probably already have
02 -
  • Culinary lavender is non negotiable here, ornamental lavender can be bitter and completely ruin your cake
  • Over mixing the batter will make the cake tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears
  • The syrup step seems optional but it is what keeps this cake incredibly moist for days
03 -
  • If you are worried about the lavender flavor being too strong, start with one tablespoon instead of two
  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and create a more even texture throughout the cake

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