If you're looking for a dessert that's both elegant and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe. The perfect balance of sweet, tart blackberries paired with the floral notes of lavender creates a unique and delightful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying something new, this recipe is a must-try. Read through the entire article to uncover essential tips, substitutions, and expert advice for making this show-stopping dessert!
What is Blackberry Lavender Cake?
Blackberry Lavender Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of blackberries with the gentle floral notes of lavender. The cake is typically layered with blackberry compote or fresh blackberries, and lavender is infused into the cake batter or frosting, giving the cake a light, fragrant flavor. The result is a moist, fragrant, and visually stunning dessert that is as flavorful as it is beautiful.
Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake
To make this incredible cake, you'll need a list of fresh and pantry ingredients that come together harmoniously. Here’s everything you need for the cake batter:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon culinary-grade lavender flowers, finely ground
- ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries (mashed or whole)
For the Lavender Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons culinary lavender extract (or lavender syrup)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A drop of purple food coloring (optional, for aesthetic)
For Blackberry Compote (Optional):
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Substitutions and Variations
While the basic ingredients are essential for this recipe, there are some substitutions and variations you can make to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
- Lavender Intensity: If lavender is too strong for you, reduce the amount by half. For a milder flavor, infuse lavender in the milk for 10 minutes, then strain it before adding it to the batter.
- Frosting Variations: You can swap out the lavender buttercream for cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer.
- Blackberry Substitutes: If you don't have blackberries, raspberries or blueberries will also work well in this recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Blackberry Lavender Cake, from mixing the batter to decorating the final product.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Add Lavender and Wet Ingredients
Mix in the ground lavender flowers and vanilla extract. Then alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk into the batter, starting and ending with the flour. Beat just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Blackberries
Gently fold in the mashed or whole blackberries into the batter using a spatula. Try not to overmix to avoid discoloring the batter entirely purple.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. 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, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Lavender Buttercream Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low to incorporate. Stir in the lavender extract, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. If desired, add a drop of purple food coloring for a light lavender hue.
Step 7: Optional Blackberry Compote
To make a blackberry compote, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices (about 10 minutes). Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the compote thickens. Remove from heat and cool.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Too Much Lavender: Lavender can be overpowering if too much is used. Stick to the recommended amount, and always use culinary-grade lavender.
- Not Leveling the Cake Layers: For even cake layers, level them with a serrated knife before frosting.
- Skipping Cooling Time: Never frost warm cakes! Ensure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting, or the buttercream will melt and slide off.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. Slice the cake with a sharp knife and serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of fresh blackberry sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake
- Decorate with Fresh Flowers: Top the cake with sprigs of lavender and whole blackberries for a natural, rustic look.
- Add Edible Glitter: For a more whimsical presentation, sprinkle edible glitter over the frosting.
- Layer with Fruit: Between the layers of cake, you can add fresh blackberries for a juicy burst of flavor with each bite.
- Frosting Design: Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls or patterns on the top and sides of the cake.
Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips
- Infusing Lavender: If you want a more subtle lavender flavor, steep lavender buds in the milk for 5-10 minutes, then strain before using.
- Test for Doneness: Always check the cakes with a toothpick or cake tester to ensure they’re fully baked.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter, eggs, and milk can affect the cake's texture. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
2. Can I freeze Blackberry Lavender Cake?
Absolutely! Once frosted, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. Where can I find culinary lavender?
Culinary lavender can be found at specialty grocery stores, health food stores, or online.
4. Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes, you can! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
5. What if I can’t find fresh blackberries?
If fresh blackberries are out of season, you can use frozen blackberries—just thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
Conclusion
This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a perfect combination of sweet blackberries and fragrant lavender, creating a dessert that is both unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to treat yourself, this cake will impress with its taste and presentation. With tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions, you're now fully equipped to bake a stunning cake that will wow your friends and family!
PrintBlackberry Lavender Cake Recipe
This Blackberry Lavender Cake recipe combines juicy blackberries and fragrant lavender to create a delightful dessert. A moist, flavorful cake with floral notes, perfect for special occasions. The sweet-tart blackberries pair beautifully with the delicate lavender, resulting in an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (mashed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Stir in lavender.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in mashed blackberries.
- Divide batter evenly between the cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the lavender is culinary-grade to avoid bitterness.
- You can garnish the cake with additional blackberries or lavender buds for presentation.
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
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