This Light & Floral Lavender Honey Cake is a perfect treat for anyone who loves delicate, aromatic flavors. With a touch of honey and lavender, this cake is perfect for a spring gathering, afternoon tea, or any time you need a sweet yet subtle dessert. The marriage of floral lavender and smooth honey creates a cake that is both lightly sweet and refreshingly unique. Whether you opt to bake it as a traditional round cake or make it into cupcakes, the result is the same: a delicious, fragrant dessert that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
What is Lavender Honey Cake?
Lavender Honey Cake is a unique and fragrant cake made with honey and lavender, often paired with a creamy frosting to complement the subtle floral notes. The cake itself is light and airy, thanks to the combination of baking powder and the rich texture of butter and honey. It is not overly sweet, making it the perfect balance for anyone who enjoys a dessert with a hint of sophistication. The lavender imparts a gentle floral note, and the honey brings in a natural sweetness that ties everything together.
This recipe gives you the option to enhance the flavor with a lavender honey syrup, adding moisture and a deeper floral flavor to the cake. For the frosting, you have two choices: a Honey Cream Cheese Frosting for a tangy sweetness or a Whipped Honey Buttercream for a rich, smooth finish.
The Origin of Lavender Honey Cake
Lavender Honey Cake has its origins in Mediterranean and European cuisine, where honey and lavender are often paired in both savory and sweet dishes. Lavender, known for its soothing properties, has been used in cooking for centuries, especially in the regions of Provence, France. Honey, on the other hand, is one of the oldest sweeteners known to humankind, used in everything from ancient desserts to beverages. The combination of these two ingredients in a cake form is a modern take on traditional European baking, offering a lighter, more aromatic option for cake lovers.
Ingredients (Makes one 8-inch round cake or 12 cupcakes)
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120ml) honey (preferably floral or wildflower)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1–2 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely ground (optional: sieve after grinding for a softer flavor)
Lavender Honey Syrup (optional but recommended):
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp hot water
- ½ tsp dried lavender
For the Frosting (Honey Cream Cheese or Honey Buttercream)
Option 1 – Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 tbsp honey
- 1 ¼–1 ½ cups powdered sugar (to desired thickness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Option 2 – Whipped Honey Buttercream:
- ½ cup (113g) butter, softened
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream, as needed
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan (or a cupcake tin if you prefer cupcakes).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground lavender. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sweeteners
In a separate bowl, beat the butter, honey, and sugar together until pale and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix only until just combined—overmixing could result in a dense cake.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes (for a round cake) or 18–20 minutes (for cupcakes), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Lavender Honey Syrup (Optional)
In a small bowl, stir together the honey, hot water, and lavender. Let it steep for 5–10 minutes and then strain. Brush the syrup over the warm cake to enhance its flavor and moisture.
8. Frost & Decorate
Once the cake has cooled completely, frost with your choice of Honey Cream Cheese Frosting or Whipped Honey Buttercream. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a light dusting of lavender buds or edible flowers for a beautiful and fragrant garnish.
Variations
- For a Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with lavender.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and substitute the butter with vegan butter. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan version.
- Cupcakes or Cake: You can make this recipe into either a round cake or cupcakes, depending on your preference. Adjust the baking time accordingly for cupcakes (18-20 minutes).
FAQs About Lavender Honey Cake
Q1: Can I use dried lavender from my garden?
Yes, but make sure it is culinary lavender, as other varieties can be bitter or soapy. Always check that it’s safe for culinary use before adding it to your cake.
Q2: Can I omit the lavender in this recipe?
Yes, if you don’t like the taste of lavender or can’t find culinary lavender, you can simply leave it out. The cake will still be delicious with the honey and vanilla flavors.
Q3: How do I store leftover cake?
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have frosting on the cake, you may want to refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Conclusion: Lavender Honey Cake
The Light & Floral Lavender Honey Cake is a perfect combination of sweet and floral flavors that makes for a delightful dessert. Whether you are hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a slice of something unique, this cake is sure to please. With its delicate balance of lavender and honey, it offers a light, refreshing alternative to heavier, overly sweet desserts. Add the optional lavender honey syrup for extra flavor, and top it off with either a tangy cream cheese frosting or a sweet honey buttercream for a cake that feels both comforting and luxurious. Try this recipe today, and savor the lovely, aromatic flavors of spring in every bite.
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