Description
A delicate and elegant Honey Lavender Cake that combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of honey. This moist and fragrant cake is perfect for spring or any special occasion, topped with a simple honey glaze and optional lavender bud garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender, finely ground or crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- Optional: lavender buds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Honey: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and honey together until the mixture is light and creamy, which helps to incorporate air for a fluffy cake.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth batter. Then mix in the pure vanilla extract, lemon zest, and finely ground dried culinary lavender to infuse the batter with flavor and aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the glaze can be applied without melting.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, honey, and just enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and optionally sprinkle with lavender buds for an extra touch of elegance and floral aroma.
Notes
- Use only culinary-grade lavender to avoid any bitterness in the cake.
- The lavender flavor intensifies after resting, making the cake even more delicious the next day.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or a light citrus sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
