Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Nothing quite captures the magic of summer like the delicate harmony of sweet blueberries and fragrant lavender in a homemade treat. This Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe brings those delightful flavors together in a moist, tender cake layered with luscious cream cheese frosting that’s both elegant and inviting. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a special celebration, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its beautiful purple hues and floral notes that dance on your palate. Trust me, once you try this Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe, it will become a favorite go-to dessert that you just have to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this enchanting cake. Each one plays a crucial role—from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the fresh blueberries adding bursts of juicy sweetness, and the culinary lavender lending its subtle floral aroma. These simple ingredients combine to make each bite unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation of your cake, ensuring it’s tender yet sturdy enough to hold layers together.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps your cake rise to perfect fluffiness without being too dense.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with buttermilk to achieve a light crumb and subtle tang.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness and floral notes.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
• Neutral oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist, complementing the butter.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and helps develop a delicate crumb.
• Eggs (3 large): Bind everything together and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor, enhancing the cake’s sweetness and floral undertones.
• Dried culinary lavender (1 tbsp, crushed): The star ingredient, delivering that unmistakable floral essence—make sure it’s culinary-grade!
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the cake tender and fluffy.
• Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 1/2 cups, tossed with 1 tbsp flour): Bursting with juicy freshness that perfectly balances the lavender’s floral notes.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For the frosting — creamy, tangy, and irresistibly rich.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Smooths the frosting texture and adds depth of flavor.
• Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Brightens the frosting with a warm touch.
• Milk (1–2 tsp, optional): Adjusts frosting consistency to your liking.
• Purple food coloring (optional): Adds a subtle tint, making the frosting look as pretty as it tastes.

How to Make Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure your cakes release easily once baked. This step sets the stage for smooth, even layers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients now ensures an even distribution so your cake rises consistently without any unwanted clumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, neutral oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates the batter, lending your cake a tender crumb and lovely rise.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Lavender

One at a time, incorporate the eggs into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and crushed culinary lavender. The lavender’s crushed form helps release its floral fragrance throughout the batter, making every bite aromatic and delightful.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This alternating method helps maintain a smooth batter without overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold the floured blueberries into the batter, being careful not to break them up too much. Tossing blueberries with flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring they’re evenly distributed and bursting with flavor in every slice.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is key for perfect frosting application.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy and spreadable. Stir in vanilla and milk, adjusting the consistency as needed. For an extra touch of whimsy, add a drop of purple food coloring to echo the cake’s lavender essence.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Spread a generous layer of frosting on one cake layer, then top with the second. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with extra blueberries or a light sprinkle of dried lavender for a stunning finish that tastes as good as it looks.

How to Serve Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like fresh blueberries and a light sprinkle of dried lavender not only enhances the cake’s visual appeal but also reinforces the wonderful natural flavors. A few edible flowers can elevate the presentation to something truly special for a party or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea, whose citrus and floral notes complement the lavender. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also offers a creamy counterpoint to the floral tang of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve individual slices on vintage dessert plates with a small sprig of lavender or a cluster of blueberries. Alternatively, turn the cake into mini trifle servings by layering cake cubes, frosting, and blueberries in clear glasses for a stunning look that highlights each component.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. Chilling actually helps the flavors develop even more fully, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers before frosting for longer storage—wrap each layer well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost as usual. This way, the Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe is always ready for a special occasion.

Reheating

Since this is a moist cake best served cool or at room temperature, reheating is generally unnecessary and not recommended. If desired, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh culinary lavender can be used but tends to be more intense, so use it sparingly. Crushing dried lavender as stated in the recipe gives a consistent, gentle floral note that blends beautifully with the cake.

Is it okay to use frozen blueberries?

Absolutely! Just make sure to toss frozen blueberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from bleeding into the batter and make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Consider adding a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.

What does the lavender flavor taste like in the cake?

Lavender gives a subtle floral, slightly sweet, and rosemary-like aroma that pairs beautifully with blueberries’ fruity brightness. It’s delicate and aromatic rather than overpowering, adding a sophisticated layer of flavor.

How do I steep lavender in buttermilk for a stronger flavor?

Simply warm the buttermilk slightly, add the crushed lavender, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the lavender before incorporating the buttermilk into the batter to infuse more floral depth without graininess.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cake that feels like a hug in dessert form, this Blueberry Lavender Cake Recipe is the one to share. Its inviting combination of fruity, floral, and creamy flavors wrapped in a moist, tender crumb is perfection made simple. Bake it for someone you love or treat yourself to a slice of summer anytime—you won’t regret it!

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