Lavender Cake Recipes: Purple, Lemon, and Honey
Lavender Cake Recipes: Purple, Lemon, and Honey
Lavender is more than just a fragrant flower used for sachets and calming teas—it’s also a delightful culinary ingredient that brings a unique floral note to desserts. Baking with lavender adds sophistication and a delicate aroma that elevates even the simplest cakes into memorable creations. From deep purple lavender cakes that wow at celebrations, to refreshing lavender-lemon bakes, to warm honey-infused treats, lavender proves its versatility in the kitchen. Below, we’ll explore three lavender cake recipes—Purple Lavender Cake, Lavender Lemon Cake, and Lavender Honey Cake—each highlighting the flower’s natural beauty and soothing flavors in a different way.
Recipe 1: Purple Lavender Cake
Why It Works
A purple lavender cake isn’t just about taste—it’s also a visual masterpiece. By combining lavender flowers with natural coloring from blueberries or food-safe purple tints, this cake creates a striking centerpiece for birthdays, weddings, or afternoon tea. The flavor is light, floral, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for those who love delicate desserts.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp culinary lavender buds, ground finely
1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
Purple food coloring (or ½ cup blueberry puree for natural coloring)
For Frosting:
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp lavender-infused milk
Purple gel food coloring (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and ground lavender.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until smooth. Add purple food coloring or blueberry puree for color.
Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
For frosting, whip butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lavender milk and food coloring. Spread between layers and over the top.
Serving Ideas
Decorate with candied lavender flowers or edible glitter.
Serve alongside lavender tea for a themed treat.
Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance the floral notes.
This purple lavender cake is a showstopper, combining elegance with flavor.
Recipe 2: Lavender Lemon Cake
Why It Works
Lavender and lemon are a match made in heaven. Lemon adds brightness and a zesty kick that complements lavender’s subtle floral tones, preventing the cake from tasting overly perfumed. This recipe is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, tea parties, or as a refreshing dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp culinary lavender buds, ground
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
For Glaze/Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lavender-infused milk
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or 9-inch round pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, lemon zest, and ground lavender.
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk and lemon juice.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cake slightly before glazing. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lavender milk until smooth, then drizzle over cake.
Serving Ideas
Garnish with thin lemon slices, lavender sprigs, or candied zest.
Pair with a chilled glass of lemonade or sparkling water.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
The lavender lemon cake is light, fragrant, and beautifully balanced—ideal for anyone who enjoys citrus desserts with a floral twist.
Recipe 3: Lavender Honey Cake
Why It Works
Lavender and honey have been paired for centuries in Mediterranean cooking. Honey provides a natural sweetness with floral undertones that marry perfectly with lavender. This cake has a moist texture and a comforting flavor profile, making it a wonderful choice for fall and winter desserts, or even as a rustic centerpiece for a holiday table.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup olive oil (for richness and moisture)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup honey (lavender honey if available)
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
2 tsp culinary lavender buds, ground
¾ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
For Topping/Glaze:
½ cup honey
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp lavender buds
Pinch of sea salt
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream butter, olive oil, sugar, and honey until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and ground lavender.
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with yogurt until batter is smooth.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and springy.
For glaze, heat honey, butter, lavender, and salt in a saucepan until melted. Pour over warm cake and let soak in.
Serving Ideas
Dust with powdered sugar for a rustic look.
Serve warm with tea, coffee, or spiced cider.
Pair with a side of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for balance.
This lavender honey cake is a cozy, aromatic dessert that feels both homely and elegant, making it a favorite for family gatherings or Sunday baking.
Tips for Baking with Lavender
Use Culinary Lavender Only – Not all lavender is suitable for eating. Choose dried culinary lavender (often English lavender) for safe, tasty results.
Don’t Overdo It – Lavender is strong and can become soapy if overused. Start with small amounts (1–2 tsp buds ground) and adjust to taste.
Pair Smartly – Lavender pairs beautifully with citrus, honey, vanilla, berries, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Infuse for Flavor – Steeping lavender buds in milk, cream, or honey before using in cakes helps extract a smoother, more balanced flavor.
Balance Sweetness – Lavender works best in mildly sweet cakes where its floral notes can shine without overwhelming.
Conclusion
Lavender cakes bring a touch of elegance and tranquility to the table. Whether you choose a vibrant Purple Lavender Cake for its stunning presentation, a Lavender Lemon Cake for zesty freshness, or a Lavender Honey Cake for warm rustic charm, each recipe celebrates lavender’s unique versatility in baking. These cakes are more than just desserts—they are experiences of aroma, color, and flavor that delight the senses.
By experimenting with lavender in your baking, you’ll discover just how special this little flower can be in transforming everyday cakes into gourmet creations. Whichever recipe you try first, your kitchen will be filled with the soothing scent of lavender—and your guests will be reaching for a second slice.
Further Reading
Carrot Cake Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Cake-Recipes-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1GD4G5/
Phyllo Dough Breakfast and Dessert Recipes and Meatloaf Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllo-Dessert-Breakfast-Recipes-Meatloaf-ebook/dp/B0DMKZF4ZD/
Potted Meyer Lemon Trees & Indoor Pomegranate Tree Care
https://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Pomegranate-Potted-Meyer-Lemon-ebook/dp/B0DGGSZDNS/
Planting Lithops
https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lithops-Succulents-Kingston-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1BBTKP
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