Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s both unique and delicious? This Blackberry Lavender Cake is an elegant treat that combines the sweet-tart flavor of fresh blackberries with the subtle floral notes of lavender. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply want to elevate your baking game, this cake is bound to impress. Read on to discover how to make this delicate and mouthwatering cake from scratch, with plenty of tips to ensure your success. By the end, you’ll have a stunning and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any event. Keep reading to get all the details and step-by-step instructions for a flawless finish!

What Is Blackberry Lavender Cake?

Blackberry Lavender Cake is a delightful, fragrant dessert that blends two distinct flavors into a moist, rich cake. The cake is made with fresh blackberries, which add sweetness and a touch of tartness, while dried lavender infuses a light, floral aroma. Together, these ingredients create a one-of-a-kind cake that’s perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, or any celebratory gathering.

Lavender in desserts might sound unconventional, but when used in the right amount, it gives the cake a lovely, fragrant note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of blackberries. Lavender has long been used in culinary applications for its calming aroma, and when combined with blackberry, it creates a dessert that's elegant and different from the typical chocolate or vanilla cakes.

Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake

Before you begin baking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. For this cake, you’ll need a combination of common pantry staples and some special ingredients to really make the flavors pop.

Cake Batter Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
• 1 cup fresh blackberries, halved

Lavender Syrup Ingredients (for soaking the cake layers):

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender

Blackberry Lavender Buttercream Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup blackberry puree (strained to remove seeds)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon dried lavender, ground

Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake Filling

The filling and frosting will add more richness and flavor to your cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Blackberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Lavender Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender, finely ground

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitution ideas if you’re looking to customize the Blackberry Lavender Cake recipe:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk.
• Honey Instead of Sugar: For a more natural sweetener, you can substitute the granulated sugar with honey. Keep in mind this will change the texture slightly, and the cake might be denser.
• Rosemary or Thyme Instead of Lavender: If you want to try another herb with a similar aromatic quality, rosemary or thyme can work well with blackberries for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start baking? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful and flavorful Blackberry Lavender Cake.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Add the Lavender and Blackberries: Gently fold in the ground lavender and fresh blackberries, being careful not to crush the berries too much.
6. 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. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Lavender Syrup: While the cake cools, make the lavender syrup by combining water, sugar, and lavender in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.

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

Now that the cake layers are baked and cooling, it's time to prepare the blackberry filling and lavender buttercream.

1. Make the Blackberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries break down and release their juices, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 minutes, until thickened. Let the filling cool completely before using.
2. Prepare the Lavender Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Add the blackberry puree, vanilla extract, and ground lavender. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled, brush each layer with the lavender syrup. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of blackberry filling on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake with the lavender buttercream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Much Lavender: Lavender is a potent herb, and a little goes a long way. Using too much can make your cake taste soapy. Stick to the recipe measurements for the best results.
• Not Straining the Blackberry Puree: To achieve a smooth buttercream, be sure to strain the blackberry puree to remove any seeds.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Once you add the flour, mix just until everything is combined.
• Skipping the Lavender Syrup: The syrup not only adds flavor but also helps keep the cake moist, so don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you present your Blackberry Lavender Cake can elevate it from a simple dessert to a show-stopping centerpiece. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

1. Garnish with Fresh Blackberries: Arrange fresh blackberries on top of the cake or around the base for a polished look.
2. Decorate with Edible Flowers: Lavender sprigs or edible flowers like pansies or violets can add a touch of elegance.
3. Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side makes a delightful addition.

How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake

Blackberry Lavender Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve it with:

• Hot tea (especially Earl Grey or chamomile)
• A chilled glass of sparkling wine or champagne
• A lavender-infused lemonade for a refreshing option

Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake

• Naked Cake Style: Leave the sides of the cake partially unfrosted for a rustic, naked cake appearance. This style allows the cake layers and filling to show through, creating a beautiful contrast.
• Lavender Sugar Dusting: Dust the top of the cake with a lavender-infused sugar for a sparkling finish.

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips

• Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze the Cake: You can freeze the cake layers (before frosting) for up to two months. Just wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, but be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

2. What kind of lavender should I use? Use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for cooking and is safe to eat. Do not use lavender that has been treated with chemicals or is not labeled as edible.

3. Can I make the cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving.

Conclusion

This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a beautiful and sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its layers of tender, floral cake, rich blackberry filling, and creamy lavender buttercream, it’s a cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this step-by-step guide makes it easy to create a stunning and delicious cake at ho

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