Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Dreamy Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe: A Sweet Symphony

Sweet summer afternoons call for an enchanting blackberry lavender cake that blends floral and fruity notes into a delightful dessert.

Delicate lavender flowers dance with ripe, juicy blackberries in this stunning cake creation.

Each slice promises a harmonious blend of elegant flavors that whisper of sunny gardens and gentle breezes.

Soft, moist layers capture the essence of seasonal bounty with their vibrant purple-tinged appearance.

The cake delivers a sophisticated twist on traditional desserts, surprising palates with its unexpected combination.

Rich, tender crumb meets the subtle aromatics of lavender, creating a memorable treat that feels both comforting and extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist this elegant confection that celebrates the best of summer’s natural sweetness.

Blackberry and Lavender in Every Bite

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Lavender and blackberries create a sophisticated, unexpected taste combination that elevates the traditional cake experience.
  • Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Impress Your Guests: The elegant flavor profile and beautiful presentation transform this cake into a stunning dessert perfect for special gatherings like brunches, afternoon teas, or summer celebrations.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable for various occasions, this cake works wonderfully as a birthday treat, potluck contribution, or delightful weekend afternoon sweet that appeals to both adults and kids.

Blackberry Lavender Cake Ingredient Lineup

Primary Cake Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides the foundational structure for the cake's texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's structure.
Leavening and Seasoning Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a classic sweet flavor.
  • Ground Lavender: Provides a subtle, floral aromatic note to the cake.
Moisture and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cake texture.
  • Fresh Blackberries: Introduces bursts of fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream, Lavender Extract: Combine to create a smooth, creamy, and fragrant frosting.

Directions for Baking Blackberry Lavender Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Generously coat two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend the flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture.

Start and end with the flour mixture, creating a smooth and consistent batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Fruity and Floral Notes

Gently fold in mashed blackberries and ground lavender, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter equally into the prepared pans.

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to wire cooling racks and allow to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Lavender Frosting

Beat butter until creamy and smooth.

Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Lavender extract

Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and light.

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Spread the lavender frosting over the cooled cake layers.

Embellish the top with fresh blackberries for a beautiful finish.

Tips for Perfectly Balanced Cake Flavors

  • Mash blackberries lightly to maintain texture and prevent turning the entire cake purple.
  • Use culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure a delicate, not overpowering floral flavor in the cake.
  • Pat blackberries dry before folding into batter to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.
  • Start with a small amount of ground lavender and adjust to taste, as it can quickly become overwhelming.
  • Toss blackberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to batter to help them distribute evenly throughout the cake.

Lavender Cake Variations and Upgrades

  • Gluten-Free Berry Lavender Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's delicate flavor profile.
  • Vegan Blackberry Lavender Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative that keeps the cake's essence.
  • Lemon Lavender Berry Cake: Swap blackberries with blueberries and add lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy take on the original recipe that enhances the floral lavender notes.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Lavender Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the cake's moisture and rich berry flavor.

Plating Blackberry Lavender Cake for Guests

  • Purple Perfection Plating: Arrange slices on elegant lavender-colored plates to enhance the cake's visual appeal and highlight its delicate flavor profile.
  • Berry Bliss Companion: Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or lavender-infused whipped cream to complement the cake's fruity and floral notes.
  • Tea Time Treat: Pair with a light Earl Grey or chamomile tea to create a sophisticated dessert experience that brings out the subtle lavender and blackberry undertones.
  • Seasonal Celebration: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar during summer gatherings to add a refreshing and elegant touch to the presentation.

Storage Tips for Blackberry Lavender Cake

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
  • Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for best flavor. For slightly warm cake, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use dried lavender instead of ground lavender?

Yes, you can substitute ground lavender with dried lavender. Crush the dried buds finely before adding to the cake batter to ensure an even distribution of flavor.

  • How do I prevent the blackberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Lightly coat the mashed blackberries in a thin layer of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.

  • Is lavender extract necessary for this recipe?

While lavender extract adds intensity to the flavor, you can omit it if unavailable. The ground lavender in the batter will still provide a subtle floral note to the cake.

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Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent blackberry lavender cake merges delicate floral notes with rich berry sweetness, creating a sophisticated dessert that whispers French countryside charm. Elegant layers promise pure culinary delight, inviting you to savor each exquisite bite of this enchanting confection.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup blackberry puree
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Decoration (Optional):

  • Fresh blackberries
  • Edible lavender flowers
  • Honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch cake pans with grease and flour coating.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a light texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, adding vanilla extract and mixing until completely integrated.
  5. Gradually blend the flour mixture and milk into the batter, alternating between the two ingredients and ensuring smooth incorporation, with flour being the final addition.
  6. Gently fold mashed blackberries and ground lavender into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Distribute the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, creating smooth and level surfaces.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cakes are fully baked.
  9. Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
  10. Prepare frosting by beating butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually adding powdered sugar, heavy cream, and lavender extract.
  11. Whip the frosting until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency with no lumps.
  12. Once cakes are completely cooled, apply frosting evenly across the layers and between them.
  13. Decorate the top of the cake with fresh blackberries for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Adjust lavender quantity to prevent overwhelming floral taste, start with small amounts and taste test.
  • Mash blackberries gently to maintain texture and prevent watery batter consistency.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring 1:1 replacement ratio.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by briefly toasting ground lavender before adding to batter, releasing deeper aromatic notes.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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