Lavender Honey Cake with Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting

Lavender Honey Cake with Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting

If you're looking to create a dessert that's both elegant and uniquely delightful, our Lavender Honey Cake with Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting is the perfect choice. With the delicate aroma of lavender and the sweetness of honey, this cake celebrates the beauty of nature in every bite. Let's dive into the recipe and create a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Lavender Honey Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust to achieve desired consistency)
• Purple food coloring (optional, for a lavender hue)
• Lavender sprigs or buds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lavender-Infused Butter:

• In a small saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over low heat.
• Add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds to the melted butter.
• Let the lavender infuse into the butter for about 10-15 minutes over low heat.
• Remove from heat and strain the butter to remove the lavender buds. Allow the infused butter to cool to room temperature.

2. Preheat and Prepare:

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

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

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

4. Cream the Butter and Sweeteners:

• In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.

5. Add Eggs and Lavender Butter:

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Gradually mix in the lavender-infused butter.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk.
• Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Add Vanilla and Divide Batter:

• Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
• Divide the cake batter equally between the prepared cake pans.

8. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting:

• In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 stick of butter over low heat.
• Add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds to the melted butter.
• Let the lavender infuse into the butter for about 10-15 minutes over low heat.
• Remove from heat and strain the butter to remove the lavender buds. Allow the infused butter to cool to room temperature.

10. Make the Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the lavender-infused butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat until well combined.
• Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
• If you desire a lavender hue, add a drop or two of purple food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.

11. Assemble and Frost:

• Place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate.
• Spread a layer of lavender-infused buttercream frosting over the top.
• Carefully place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

12. Garnish and Serve:

• Decorate the Lavender Honey Cake with lavender sprigs or buds for an elegant finishing touch.

13. Slice and Savor:

• Slice and serve your masterpiece, and savor the unique and delicate floral flavors of this Lavender Honey Cake with Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting.

This Lavender Honey Cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a work of art that will impress your guests and make any occasion truly special. The lavender-infused buttercream frosting adds a unique twist to a classic cake, making it a delightful and memorable dessert. Enjoy your culinary creation!