Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, this Blackberry Lavender Cake recipe is the answer. With its fragrant lavender notes and juicy blackberries, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet, floral, and fruity flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a casual gathering, or just to treat yourself, this elegant cake is sure to impress. Stay with us as we walk you through how to make this indulgent and beautiful dessert from scratch!

What is a Blackberry Lavender Cake?

A Blackberry Lavender Cake is a light and moist cake infused with the subtle, aromatic flavor of lavender and the fresh, tangy sweetness of blackberries. This cake brings together the delicate essence of lavender and the rich, juicy berries in both the cake layers and frosting, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. The lavender adds an unexpected yet delightful floral note that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the blackberries.

This cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, bridal showers, or anytime you want to wow your guests with a sophisticated, flavor-packed dessert. Now, let’s get into the ingredients you’ll need to create this dreamy dessert.

Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds (ground finely in a spice grinder)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup fresh blackberries (slightly mashed)

For the Blackberry Lavender Syrup:

• ½ cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup water

For the Blackberry Lavender Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup blackberry puree (about 1 cup of fresh blackberries, pureed and strained to remove seeds)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons ground culinary lavender buds (optional, depending on your flavor preference)
• A few drops of purple food coloring (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh blackberries
• Lavender sprigs or extra culinary lavender buds for decoration

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the possible substitutions and variations you can try.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re interested in customizing this cake to fit dietary needs or personal preferences, here are some substitution and variation ideas:

Dairy-Free Option:

• Butter Substitution: Use a dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter in both the cake and frosting.
• Milk Alternative: Substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free option of your choice.

Gluten-Free Option:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

Flavor Variations:

• Lemon Blackberry Lavender Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Vanilla Lavender Cake: If blackberries aren’t in season or you prefer a more floral-forward flavor, omit the blackberries and increase the lavender by a teaspoon.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating a Blackberry Lavender Cake may seem like an intricate process, but with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to make a delicious, show-stopping cake with ease.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour three 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Lavender Sugar

• In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, finely grind the culinary lavender buds until they resemble a fine powder.
• In a large bowl, combine the lavender with the granulated sugar, mixing to distribute the lavender evenly. This will help infuse your cake with lavender flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and lavender-infused sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Fold in Mashed Blackberries

• Gently fold in the mashed blackberries using a spatula. You want to incorporate the blackberries without overmixing the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Blackberry Lavender Syrup: A Step-by-Step Guide

While your cake layers are cooling, let’s prepare a Blackberry Lavender Syrup to drizzle over the cake layers for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

• In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of fresh blackberries, 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender buds, ¼ cup of sugar, and ¼ cup of water.

Step 2: Simmer the Syrup

• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the blackberries break down and the sugar dissolves (about 5-7 minutes).
• Once the syrup is fragrant and the blackberries are fully softened, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds and any seeds.
• Set the syrup aside to cool.

How to Make Blackberry Lavender Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now it’s time to create the luscious Blackberry Lavender Frosting to complement your cake.

Step 1: Beat the Butter

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar cloud.
• Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Blackberry Puree and Lavender

• Slowly mix in the blackberry puree (strained to remove seeds), vanilla extract, and ground lavender buds.
• If you’d like to intensify the color, add a few drops of purple food coloring. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more puree or a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Blackberry Lavender Cake can be a breeze if you keep these common mistakes in mind:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Once the ingredients are just combined, stop mixing.
• Too Much Lavender: While lavender is delicious, too much of it can make your cake taste soapy. Stick to the recommended amount, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of using less.
• Not Straining the Blackberry Puree: Straining the puree is key to removing seeds that could affect the smoothness of your frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving this stunning Blackberry Lavender Cake. Here’s how to serve and display it beautifully:

How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake

• Slice Cleanly: Use a sharp, warm knife (run it under hot water, then wipe dry) to make clean cuts when slicing the cake.
• Serve with Tea: Lavender has a soothing quality that pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or Earl Grey.

Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake

• Fresh Blackberry Garnish: Decorate the top of the cake with whole or halved fresh blackberries for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lavender Sprigs: Place a few sprigs of lavender on top of the cake or around the serving platter for an elegant, floral touch.
• Dust of Powdered Sugar: For a soft, whimsical look, dust the top of the cake lightly with powdered sugar.

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips

• Chill the Cake Before Frosting: To avoid crumbs in your frosting, chill the cake layers for about 30 minutes before applying the frosting.
• Use Culinary Lavender Only: Make sure you use culinary lavender, as other types of lavender may be treated with chemicals and can taste too strong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of serving.

How do I store leftover Blackberry Lavender Cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a truly unique and sophisticated dessert that blends the tartness of blackberries with the fragrant, calming flavor of lavender. It’s perfect for special occasions like birthdays, bridal showers, or even just a relaxing afternoon tea. With its light, moist texture and flavorful frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients and start baking your own blackberry-lavender dream today!

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