Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe blackberries with the delicate floral notes of lavender? Look no further! This Blackberry Lavender Cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion—whether it's a birthday celebration, an afternoon tea, or simply a weekend indulgence. With its moist layers of cake, infused with lavender, and complemented by the tartness of fresh blackberries, this dessert is guaranteed to impress your guests. Follow this detailed guide to create a bakery-worthy Blackberry Lavender Cake right in your kitchen! Read on to discover all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for crafting this delightful cake.
What is a Blackberry Lavender Cake?
A Blackberry Lavender Cake is a light, moist cake layered with flavors of fresh blackberries and lavender. Lavender, an edible flower known for its distinct fragrance and subtle taste, pairs surprisingly well with the tangy and slightly sweet blackberries. Together, they create a balanced flavor profile that is both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing. This cake is often paired with a cream cheese frosting or a blackberry-lavender glaze to enhance its flavors even more. If you love experimenting with flavors in baking, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (or 2 teaspoons lavender extract)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons blackberry juice (from fresh or thawed berries)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh blackberries
- Lavender sprigs (optional)
- Edible flowers (optional)
Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Glaze (Optional)
If you prefer a lighter topping, you can make a simple blackberry lavender glaze instead of the traditional frosting. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons blackberry juice
- ½ teaspoon dried lavender, finely ground
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Substitutions and Variations
- Lavender Extract vs. Culinary Lavender: If you don’t have culinary lavender on hand, you can substitute with lavender extract. Use about half the amount, as the extract is more concentrated.
- Blackberries: If blackberries aren't in season, you can use frozen blackberries or substitute them with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Each of these fruits will give the cake a slightly different flavor but still complement the lavender beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.
- Vegan Substitutes: For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter, a flaxseed or chia egg substitute (1 tablespoon of flaxseed/chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg), and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Lemon Addition: For a stronger citrus note, you can add more lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter and frosting.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures the cake will be light and airy.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate the lavender: Stir in the culinary lavender (or lavender extract), lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Mix in the flour and milk: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk into the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat until just combined.
- Fold in the blackberries: Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blackberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the blackberries to break apart and bleed into the batter too much.
- Divide and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
How to Cook Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Make the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Stir in the ground lavender, blackberry juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and repeat. Finally, add the third layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Optional: Glaze: If you opted for a glaze, simply whisk together the powdered sugar, blackberry juice, ground lavender, and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Once the flour is added, avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake. Gently fold the blackberries in to avoid squashing them.
- Not measuring lavender correctly: Lavender can be potent. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the cake taste soapy.
- Skipping the cooling process: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present a cake can make all the difference. This Blackberry Lavender Cake deserves a beautiful presentation to match its stunning flavors.
How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake
- Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before serving if you want clean, sharp slices.
- Pair with tea: This cake is the perfect complement to a cup of Earl Grey or lavender tea, making it an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings.
Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake
- Garnish with fresh blackberries: Place whole blackberries on top of the cake or around the edges for a pop of color and flavor.
- Edible flowers: Garnish with edible flowers like violets or lavender for a touch of elegance.
- Lavender sprigs: A few small sprigs of fresh lavender can be placed on the top or around the cake for an extra visual appeal.
Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or refrigerate them if it's particularly warm.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often intensify the next day!
- Decorating Tip: For a smooth, professional-looking finish, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly around the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use dried lavender from a garden?
It’s best to use culinary-grade lavender as it’s grown without harmful pesticides. Garden lavender may not be safe to eat.
2. Can I freeze the cake layers?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before assembling and frosting.
3. Is this cake gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses regular flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Blackberry Lavender Cake recipe is a beautiful balance of sweet and floral flavors, perfect for special occasions or whenever you're in the mood for something unique and delicious. Whether you're serving it at a tea party, a birthday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress with its gorgeous presentation and delightful taste. Follow the tips and instructions to ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and absolutely stunning. Ready to try it? Gather your ingredients and start baking today!
PrintBlackberry Lavender Cake Recipe
This Blackberry Lavender Cake combines fresh blackberries and aromatic lavender for a delightful dessert. The cake is moist, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the berries and subtle floral notes from the lavender. Perfect for any gathering or special occasion, this cake is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Fresh blackberries
- Dried lavender
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Fold in the flour mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined. Stir in vanilla, blackberries, and lavender.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool before frosting or serving.
Notes
- Lavender can be strong, so adjust according to taste.
- You can substitute frozen blackberries if fresh are unavailable.
- Pair with a cream cheese or lemon glaze for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
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