Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

This Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the fragrant essence of lavender with the refreshing zest of lemon. Whether you enjoy it as a light breakfast, a charming dessert at tea time, or as a sweet ending to a summer meal, this cake is sure to impress. Its moist texture and beautiful lavender glaze make it not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for any occasion.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Make Lemon Lavender Sugar
• Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
• Step 5: Incorporate Eggs
• Step 6: Create Batter
• Step 7: Fill Loaf Pan
• Step 8: Bake
• Step 9: Cool
• Step 10: Mix Glaze
• Step 11: Garnish
• How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe
• With Fresh Berries
• With Tea or Coffee
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe
• Reheating Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe special?
• Can I use dried lavender?
• How do I know when my cake is done?
• Can I customize this Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe?
• How should I serve this cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique flavor combo: The blend of zesty lemon and aromatic lavender creates a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or even at a garden party.
• Easy to bake: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers will find success.
• Beautiful presentation: The lavender glaze adds an elegant touch that makes this cake perfect for special occasions.
• Perfectly moist: Thanks to the careful blending of ingredients, each slice is wonderfully moist and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your lemon lavender cake, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
• Wire rack: Cooling your cake on a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy by allowing air circulation around it.

Ingredients

This super moist lemon lavender cake is bursting with warm lavender and zesty lemon flavors and drizzled with a gorgeous lavender glaze. It’s the perfect summer treat for breakfast, teatime, or dessert!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup / 200 g / 7 oz granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– 3 tbsp culinary lavender
– 3/4 cup /170 g / 6 oz salted butter, room temperature
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cups / 240 g / 9.5 oz all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 cup / 120 ml / 4 fl oz whole milk, room temperature
– 1 1/2 cups / 180 g / oz powdered (confectioners’/icing) sugar, sifted
– 3 to 4 tbsp whole milk
– 1/2 tsp lavender extract
– 2 to 3 drops purple food coloring

How to Make Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×5-inch loaf pan using parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Make Lemon Lavender Sugar

Place the granulated sugar, culinary lavender, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Rub them together until the oils from the zest and buds infuse into the sugar.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Add the softened salted butter to the infused sugar mixture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

One by one, add in the large eggs, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding another. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed. Mix in the lemon juice until combined.

Step 6: Create Batter

Gradually mix half of your dry ingredients into the batter. Follow this with adding in the whole milk. Finally, add in the remaining flour mixture until everything is well combined with no streaks of flour remaining.

Step 7: Fill Loaf Pan

Pour your batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown on top. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean; moist crumbs are okay but no liquid batter.

Step 9: Cool

Remove from oven; let cool in pan for 15 minutes. Use parchment paper overhangs to lift onto a wire rack to cool completely before removing paper.

Step 10: Mix Glaze

In another medium bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, some milk, and lavendar extract until smooth. Add purple food coloring if desired; adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

Step 11: Garnish

Drizzle your glaze over the cooled cake loaf. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing into pieces to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Serving your Lemon Lavender Cake can enhance the experience of this delightful dessert. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it, whether at a gathering or a quiet afternoon at home.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries: Pair the cake with fresh strawberries for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Blueberries: Their burst of flavor complements the lavender perfectly.
• Raspberries: Add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

With Tea or Coffee

• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea enhances the floral notes in the cake.
• Black Tea: The robust flavor of black tea pairs well with lemon cakes.
• Espresso: A shot of espresso provides a rich and bold contrast.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of sweetened whipped cream creates a creamy texture that complements the cake.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try lavender-infused whipped cream for an extra touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Pastries: Include assorted mini pastries to create an elegant dessert spread.
• Cookies: Offer lemon or lavender-flavored cookies to match the theme.

How to Perfect Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Perfecting your Lemon Lavender Cake can take it from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure your baking success.

• Use fresh lavender: Fresh culinary lavender delivers more intense flavor than dried varieties.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake tender and avoid a dense texture.
• Test for doneness: Use a skewer; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
• Let it cool properly: Allow cooling in the pan briefly before transferring to avoid crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Lavender Cake can enhance its flavors and make for an enjoyable meal. Here are some delicious suggestions:

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed citrus fruits complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
2. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta pair nicely with the floral notes of lavender.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy side that balances sweetness.
4. Savory Quiche: A light quiche filled with vegetables adds a savory element that contrasts well with sweet cake.
5. Herb-Infused Rice: A light rice dish flavored with herbs keeps things fresh and light alongside your dessert.
6. Roasted Nuts: Offering roasted almonds or walnuts adds crunch and pairs well with tea or coffee served alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and there are common pitfalls that many encounter when making a Lemon Lavender Cake. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can affect the cake’s rise. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling period: Cutting into the cake too soon can make it fall apart. Let it cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different, and inaccurate temperatures can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven properly and consider using an oven thermometer.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Lemon Lavender Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its flavor.

Freezing Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top. Warm each slice for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe special?

This recipe combines refreshing lemon zest with aromatic lavender, creating a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for summer occasions.

Can I use dried lavender?

Yes, culinary dried lavender is essential for this recipe. Ensure it’s food-grade and safe for consumption.

How do I know when my cake is done?

A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown.

Can I customize this Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add poppy seeds for crunch or substitute different citrus fruits like orange or lime for variety.

How should I serve this cake?

This delightful cake can be served as breakfast, dessert, or an elegant tea-time treat, especially when drizzled with glaze.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Lavender Cake is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful blend of flavors that appeals to various palates. With its soft texture and aromatic notes, this cake makes an excellent choice for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with additional flavors or toppings to make it truly your own!