Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

This Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of zesty lemon and aromatic lavender, making it a truly refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, serving it at teatime, or presenting it as a dessert, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of flavors creates a unique experience that will have your guests coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The bright taste of lemon paired with fragrant lavender creates a cake that is both uplifting and comforting.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions, from casual breakfasts to elegant afternoon teas.
• Moist Texture: This cake is incredibly moist, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
• Simple Instructions: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Elegant Presentation: The lavender glaze adds a beautiful finish, making it visually striking for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything at hand ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan (9×5-inch / 23 x 12 cm)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape for baking the lemon lavender cake evenly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Wire rack: Allows the cake to cool properly without getting soggy on the bottom.

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: Prep Work

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4. Grease the bottom and sides of a loaf pan with a parchment paper sling. Let the parchment paper hang over the sides for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Make Lemon Lavender Sugar

Place the sugar, culinary lavender, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Rub them together so that their oils infuse into the sugar.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

While mixing on medium speed, add each egg one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Finally, mix in lemon juice.

Step 6: Create Batter

Gradually mix half of your flour mixture into the batter. Then add whole milk followed by the remaining flour mixture. Mix until fully combined without any streaks of flour remaining.

Step 7: Fill Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Insert a skewer in the center; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool

Remove from oven and allow cooling in the pan for about fifteen minutes. Use parchment paper overhang to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely while peeling away paper afterward.

Step 10: Mix Glaze

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

Step 11: Garnish

Drizzle glaze over your cooled cake loaf. Allow it to set for a couple of minutes before slicing into pieces to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Serving your Lemon Lavender Cake is just as important as baking it! This cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its unique flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of the cake with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Their tartness complements the sweet lemon and floral notes perfectly.

Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a luscious texture. You can also infuse the cream with a hint of lavender for an extra touch.

Lemon Curd

• Spread a thin layer of lemon curd over each slice. This tangy addition will elevate the lemon flavor and add a creamy contrast.

Tea Pairing

• Enjoy this cake with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint. The warm flavors blend nicely with the lavender essence.

Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or lavender ice cream on the side makes for a refreshing treat, especially on warm days.

Afternoon Tea Spread

• Incorporate the cake into an afternoon tea spread alongside finger sandwiches and scones for a delightful experience.

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How to Perfect Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Achieving the perfect Lemon Lavender Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your baking is flawless:

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your lemons and lavender are fresh for the best flavor and aroma in your cake.
• Room temperature eggs: Use eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, which helps create a light and fluffy cake.
• Sift flour properly: Sifting flour before measuring helps avoid lumps and ensures accurate measurements for consistent results.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to prevent dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Check doneness: Always perform the skewer test towards the end of baking time to avoid undercooking or overcooking your cake.
• Cool completely: Letting the cake cool completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting into the cake.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Lavender Cake can enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of delightful sides:

1. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light, refreshing sandwiches that offer a crisp contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a savory balance.
3. Quinoa Salad: A colorful mix of quinoa, veggies, and herbs adds nutritional value and complements floral notes.
4. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses like goat cheese or brie pairs well with lemon flavors for a sophisticated touch.
5. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings freshness and acidity that brightens up any meal featuring this cake.
6. Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones add a delicious contrast while maintaining an elegant tea-time vibe.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide hearty flavors that can round out your meal beautifully.
8. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs offers lightness while complementing the delicate flavors of lemon and lavender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a lemon lavender cake, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not using fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and culinary lavender. Stale ingredients can lead to a bland flavor.
• Skipping room temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can hinder the creaming process. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined to maintain that light, airy texture.
• Ignoring oven calibration: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures for even baking.
• Not checking doneness: Relying solely on time can lead to underbaking or overbaking. Always check with a skewer for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your lemon lavender cake in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

• item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
• item Stovetop: Heat a skillet on low, cover it with a lid, and warm the cake slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe unique?

This recipe combines the floral notes of lavender with zesty lemon, creating a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for summer.

Can I use dried lavender instead of culinary lavender?

Yes, you can use dried lavender, but make sure it is labeled as food safe. Culinary grade ensures that it is safe to consume.

How should I serve my Lemon Lavender Cake?

This delightful cake pairs well with tea or coffee and makes an excellent dessert or brunch option.

Can I customize this Lemon Lavender Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add poppy seeds for extra crunch or substitute other citrus fruits like orange for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

The lemon lavender cake recipe is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions, such as nuts or berries, to make it truly your own. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!