Lavender Honey Cake

Lavender Honey Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the floral notes of lavender with the natural sweetness of honey. This cake offers a moist and tender crumb, making it perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Flavour Profile: The combination of lavender and honey provides a unique and sophisticated taste.
• Moist Texture: Incorporating yogurt and honey ensures a soft and moist crumb.
• Versatile Presentation: Suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events.
• Aromatic Experience: The scent of lavender adds an aromatic touch that enhances the overall experience.
• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry items with the addition of culinary lavender.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Butter
• Lavender sugar
• Eggs
• Natural yogurt
• Honey
• Vanilla pod
• Self-raising flour
• Salt
• Icing sugar
• Milk (optional)
• Culinary lavender (for decoration)

Directions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line four 7-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and lavender sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Incorporating Eggs: Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Adding Wet Ingredients: Mix in the natural yogurt, honey, and seeds from the vanilla pod until well combined.
5. Combining Dry Ingredients: Sift together the self-raising flour and salt. Fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Baking: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Buttercream Preparation: Beat the butter and icing sugar together until smooth. Add honey and mix until fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
9. Assembling the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
10. Decorating: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. Garnish with culinary lavender as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16
• Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavour.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate ground almonds into the batter for added texture and a nutty taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and appropriate leavening agents.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with plant-based margarine, eggs with flaxseed meal, and yogurt with a non-dairy alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften before serving.

FAQs

What type of lavender is best for baking?

Culinary-grade lavender, such as Lavandula angustifolia, is recommended for baking due to its sweet and delicate flavour.

Can I make lavender sugar at home?

Yes, you can make lavender sugar by blending dried culinary lavender buds with granulated sugar and allowing it to infuse for a few days.

Is it necessary to use a specific type of honey?

While any honey can be used, a mild-flavoured honey is preferred to complement the lavender without overpowering it.

Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?

Yes, dried culinary lavender can be used. Use it sparingly, as it has a more concentrated flavour than fresh lavender.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?

Ensure not to overbake the cake and measure ingredients accurately. Incorporating yogurt and honey helps maintain moisture.

Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Yes, the cake layers can be baked ahead of time, wrapped tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

What can I use instead of yogurt?

Sour cream or buttermilk can be used as substitutes for yogurt in this recipe.

How can I achieve a uniform lavender colour in the cake?

Adding a small amount of food-grade purple food colouring to the batter can enhance the lavender hue.

Is it possible to make this cake into cupcakes?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time to approximately 20–25 minutes.

Can I omit the lavender for a plain honey cake?

Certainly, omitting the lavender will yield a delicious honey-flavoured cake.

Conclusion

Lavender Honey Cake offers a harmonious blend of floral and sweet flavours, making it a delightful addition to any dessert table. Its moist texture and aromatic profile are sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether served at a special occasion or enjoyed with a cup of tea, this cake is a testament to the elegance of simple ingredients coming together beautifully.

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