Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Blackberry Lavender Cake is the perfect choice! With the subtle floral notes of lavender and the sweet tartness of blackberries, this cake brings a delicate balance of flavors that will wow your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, bridal shower, or just because you want to treat yourself, this Blackberry Lavender Cake will elevate any occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Keep reading to discover how to create this stunning cake from scratch.

this Recipe

What is a Blackberry Lavender Cake?

A Blackberry Lavender Cake is a moist and flavorful cake that blends the floral fragrance of dried lavender with the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh blackberries. The lavender is infused into both the cake batter and the frosting, providing subtle herbal notes without being overpowering. The result is a light, airy cake with a delicious balance of flavors, topped off with a gorgeous blackberry cream frosting that complements the floral lavender beautifully. The cake layers are light and fluffy, while the frosting is rich and creamy, making this the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of fruity and floral flavors.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this unique and delicious cake!

Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (finely ground)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh blackberry puree (puree fresh or frozen blackberries in a blender and strain)

For the Lavender Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (more as needed for consistency)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground and steeped in 1 tablespoon hot water (strain before adding to the frosting)
• ⅓ cup blackberry puree (reserve some for drizzling)

For Garnish:

• Fresh blackberries
• Dried lavender buds (optional for decoration)
• Fresh lavender sprigs (optional)

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s explore some fun variations you can try to customize your Blackberry Lavender Cake.

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Gluten-Free Cake: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Ensure that the gluten-free flour includes xanthan gum to help with texture.
2. Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives. Coconut oil or vegan butter work well in place of butter, and almond milk or coconut milk can replace whole milk.
3. Lemon Lavender Twist: For a citrusy variation, add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the cake batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with both lavender and blackberries.
4. Add a Filling: Want to elevate your cake further? Spread a layer of blackberry compote or a lemon curd between the layers for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
5. Lavender-Free Option: If lavender isn't your thing, you can easily omit it and simply make a delicious blackberry cake.

Now, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions for creating this elegant cake!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and finely ground dried lavender.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk and Blackberry Puree: Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and blackberry puree. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing, as this can result in a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the Lavender Buttercream Frosting:

1. Steep the Lavender: Add the dried lavender to 1 tablespoon of hot water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds, reserving the liquid to add to the frosting.
2. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add Cream, Vanilla, and Lavender Water: Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the strained lavender water. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Fold in Blackberry Puree: Gently fold the blackberry puree into the frosting. You can swirl it in for a marble effect or fully incorporate it for a light purple hue.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Level the Cake Layers: Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops with a serrated knife if needed.
2. Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
3. Decorate: Garnish the cake with fresh blackberries, a drizzle of extra blackberry puree, and, if desired, some fresh lavender sprigs or a sprinkle of dried lavender buds.

Now, your Blackberry Lavender Cake is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Cook Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a summary of the key steps to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:

1. Infuse the Lavender Correctly: Be careful not to overuse lavender as it can quickly become overpowering. Use a fine mesh strainer to filter the lavender-infused water before adding it to the frosting.
2. Fold the Blackberry Puree: To avoid a runny frosting, fold the blackberry puree in gently after whipping the frosting to the desired consistency.
3. Evenly Distribute the Layers: Spread the frosting evenly between the layers for a professional look and perfect balance of cake and frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing will result in a dense cake. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Using Too Much Lavender: Lavender can be strong and easily overpower the cake. Stick to the recommended amount for a subtle, pleasant flavor.
3. Not Cooling the Cake Fully: Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, as a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make this cake even more appealing, consider the following serving and presentation ideas:

1. Serve at Room Temperature: This cake tastes best when served at room temperature. Remove it from the fridge about 20-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors fully develop.
2. Garnish with Fresh Blackberries: Add a few whole blackberries on top of the cake and around the base for an elegant and natural touch.
3. Pair with a Floral Beverage: Serve this cake alongside lavender lemonade, earl grey tea, or a floral-inspired cocktail for a cohesive, themed dessert experience.

How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake

To serve this cake, use a sharp knife to slice clean pieces. The cake pairs beautifully with a side of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added touch of elegance, drizzle blackberry sauce over each slice just before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake

• Drizzle Extra Blackberry Puree: Create a beautiful contrast by drizzling extra blackberry puree on top of the frosting.
• Add Fresh Flowers: Fresh lavender sprigs or edible flowers like violets make a beautiful, natural garnish.
• Use Ombre Frosting: For an Instagram-worthy cake, gradually blend the blackberry puree into the frosting to create a light-to-dark ombre effect.

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Blackberries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, ripe blackberries

. If they’re out of season, frozen blackberries will work, but make sure to thaw and drain them first.

2. Steep Lavender Properly: Always strain the lavender-infused water before adding it to the frosting to avoid any bitterness or texture issues.
3. Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw them completely before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use dried lavender from my garden?

Yes, as long as it’s culinary-grade lavender that hasn’t been treated with chemicals. Culinary lavender is safe to use in cooking and baking, but always ensure it’s clean and finely ground for the best texture.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake layers can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to a month. You can also make the frosting a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let the frosting come to room temperature before using it.

3. Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, frozen blackberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the cake or frosting.

4. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Blackberry Lavender Cake is an exquisite dessert that will impress both in taste and presentation. The subtle floral notes from the lavender paired with the sweet and tangy blackberries create a truly unique flavor combination. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is bound to become a favorite. Try it out and enjoy the delicate beauty and flavor of this stunning cake! Happy baking!

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